Let's get spiritual..
 

Okay

I was thinking about the fact I'd not been in a heavy religion based conversation in a while, so I was curious if anyone would want to divulge anything in their belief-system? I'll start.

Born & indoctrinated into a religion I feel there are two general people-types....Socrates might say the same, calling them the philosophers and the non-philosophers....I think there are those who accept this indocrination open-heartedly...and there are those who question it thoroughly and seek 'their' honest religion. I've definitely been the later. In an effort not to make this post too long, I'll skip the questioning period of my life.....but I still can't listen to too many Bible readings without getting sometimes Frustrated. It's not because I don't believe what's in them....I guess it is the way they are presented to me.

Also with all of my studying I've learned from a multitude of sources and have formulated things as I see them that touch in several of my areas of study. I do not believe in hell....I think it is a scare tactic....I believe in Heaven though I feel it is hardly attainable...I don't think you die and go to one place or the other. I believe in reincarnation, or Socrates' concepts of perpetual reciprocity vs linear continuity. I don't believe that going to church makes you a good person, or that any religion is better than another...only that certain beliefs belong to certaiin thought processes and that as long as you try to be good all things will in the end work themselves out. I believe that believing is nothing compared to questioning because only one of the two requires thought.

I believe that the Bible is nothing more than a book of good stories that teach valuable lessons and that any transcendental concepts it once held have been lost in translation. While that sounds bad, would one of you please write in Japanese the concept of the DAO, then translate it to English? Some concepts cannot be translated, if they can even be written at all. My beliefes of Jesus being Lord, God Almighty??? I worship God, and I think that Jesus was the greatest of the christian revolutionaries, but I do not think that he is God. So I worship God, but not Jesus in that sense....I'd feel like I'm worshipping a Golden Lamb. Scorn me, but if you know much about Christianity compared to Islam, they are VERY much the same on a hundred different levels. One thing I think they have right is that they do not worship Muhammed in the converntional sense that we (as a people) worship Jesus....they worship Allah directly while I think most Christians are honestly scared to do so.

Tell me what you think.....

and we're all adults here, so I don't think that you should hold much in.....but please, no one try to push your religion on someone else and tell them they are wrong...thanks...

I agree with that.

I also believe that there is no "God." I believe there is no Satan. No heaven. No hell. There is just life. You're born, you live, you die. End of story.

At the risk of sounding offensive, I believe religion to be two things:

1) A mental crutch for those who need hope in their lives.
2) An ingenious mind control device created to control the masses. What better way is there to control people than to tell them that if they misbehave, they will burn in hell forever; or if they live a life full of virtue and piety, they will live in eternal bliss in the kingdom of God?

It takes a far stretch of my imagination, and a leap of faith a little too large, for me to believe that three invisible men in the sky are in control of my life. On the other hand, I am glad for the time that I spent reading the Bible because, as has already been pointed out, it contains many valuable lessons regarding morality.

My $0.02.

"Sir, we ought to teach the people that they are doing wrong in worshipping the images and pictures in the temple."

Ramakrishna: "That's the way with you Calcutta people: you want to teach and peach. You want to give millions when you are beggars yourselves... Do you think God does not know that he is being worshipped in the images and pictures? If a worshipper should make a mistake, do you not think God will know his intent?"

- The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

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"When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."
- Stephen Roberts

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That's the beauty of religion though, unless you believe otherwise (does that make sense?) there is no one, visible or invisible that is in control of your life. You are free to choose to follow or not follow any religion. I know some religions believe that everything in your life is preordained, but I know with Christianity, God gave you the choice to follow him or not to. If you don't, it's your deal.

Re: Let's get spiritual..
 

But, Islam follows Christianity, and much of what is contained in the Koran is re-packaged from Christianity and Judaism. The concept of Allah is entirely Jewish. The concept of Muhammad is re-packaged Jesus.

Also, much of the Bible (the Old Testament) comes from the Jewish tradition- the TNK. A Torah scroll is copied letter for letter, so, if you like, you could read it in the original Hebrew so as not to lose anything in translation. Also, the New Testament can be read in the original Greek or Latin Vulgate, if you are weary of English translations and mis-translations.

You are not required to believe in Jesus, except for one religion. And, even in that, there is much variation. So, actually a Christian can worship God directly. Christianity probably has more diversity in worship than any other religion on earth.

I went through some of the same issues, but being able to read Latin, Greek and learning some Hebrew has helped immensely.
Also, anthropology and archaeology help. The Flood story is older than most people realize. So, there might actually be some truth to it. It is in fact, as true as the theory of evolution.

Also, Dao writings are much newer than the religion. In fact, writing was unnecessary for understanding Daoism. So, no translation or writing will do it justice, but it doesn't necessary make it more valid. (Not saying that you said that, just saying.)

Might also add that Socrates never wrote anything, not one word. So how can we be sure he ever said anything that Plato claims he said? May be his place in history is entirely invalid?

Just some thoughts, good topic.

Great topic!

I'm not sure if y'all have checked out the "religion selector" at speakout.com --

http://speakout.com/activismtools/selectors/religion/

I found it pretty interesting.

As far as my religious beliefs (or lack thereof), they most closely align with the teachings of Buddhism. I have also investigated various religions over the years; I was raised Christian, but to me, personally, Christianity doesn't make sense. I have probably done the most research on the Baha'i faith and Buddhism. Buddhism makes the most sense to me of all the religions -- I think that the idea of karma and rebirth, while not comforting, seems more realistic, at least in terms of my understanding of the world, than the idea of heaven and hell.

That said, I am by no means a religious person. For the most part, I agree with jonsagara.

valkyrie's link is expired, but this is the new one:
http://www.selectsmart.com/RELIGION/

Thanks Leslie! I noticed that after I posted it. Oops. :p

I am in the process of learning about Islam, with the eventual intent of converting. Muhammed is NOT a "repackaged Jesus" but an entirely different person. Muslims recognize Jesus as a prophet and a good man, just not the son of God. Muhammed is the greatest of all the prophets and he is the one who wrote the Qu'ran (through divine inspiration). I was born and raised a Christian but in the last few years began to have my doubts. While I still call myself a "Christian" I know in my heart that's not what I really am. I am hoping that Islam has what I need, but if it's not, I'll keep looking. And yeah, maybe religion is just a "crutch for weak people" but I can't help what I believe.

No, StraightBOS is right. If you look at the historical way that Muhammed and Jesus are portrayed....they are almost identical. If memory serves me well Muslims believe that Jesus came along as a prophet, then Muhammed came along as the last great prophet, and in a sense he was just repackaged because Muslims believe everything about Muhammed that Christians believe about Jesus....Of course he is physically an entirely different person, but conceptually they are the same when viewed objectively

Without meaning to tell you what to do....I think everyone should provide themselves with the strength they need and not rely on spiritualism to do that

Interesting topic SigmaChiCard!

I was raised Chrisitan ... attended a Baptist church the first 8-9 years of my life. Then our family switched to a Grace Brethren church, which is a protestant religion that follows the Bible closely, but isn't so literal (as many Baptist religions can be).

At college I attended a non-denomination protestant church that was not quite me, but it was okay and I met some good friends there eventually.

I am intrigued by a lot of different religions and how their stories and/or teachings overlap one another. I read a bit of Taoism, but don't consider it a religion. (In fact, it was only a philosophy before becoming a religion). I do consider it a good way to approach life. And I think it mimics the teachings of Jesus (or maybe he mimics the teaching of Tao). Live simply. Peacefully.

I do think that Jesus is another form of God (the "trinity), so when I/people worship him, they are worshiping God, and vice versa. In fact, sometimes I find God rather harsh in his judgements and regulations (Old Testament) versus Jesus' teachings of love (New Testament).

I think the most important thing from any religion is that you can apply its teachings to how you live your life. Which is why some people find solitude in Christianity, some in Judaism, etc.

I'm kind of rambling now, so I'll leave this link:

Yak Rider.com

It discusses a lot of religions (mostly Eastern) but in a manner that supports all of them and leaves conclusions up to the reader/viewer.

As far as religion being a mental crutch for those who need hope in their lives, this can be a lot of things not just religion. There are a lot of Americans who use work, drugs, etc. as their crutch.

-SigmaChiCard, being that the bible was written long after the events in the bible actually occured there is a really good possibility that ALL of the stories are not completely accurate. As far as finding a religion, only you know what you want out of life and how you believe. Before I settled down in my faith, I researched Buddism, Islam, Judaism, and various denominations of Christianity. More so than the religion itself, the level of spirituality has to be there. Religion and spirituality are not the same.

I agree with what you're saying, but we're talking about religion here, not getting high.

Well SigmaChiCard, you'd be right except Muslims in no way believe Muhammed or Jesus to be the son of God or even an incarnation of God. To call Muhammed a "repackaged Jesus" is insensitive and shows your ignorance.

Well, what do you call the universe?

We are controlled more by natural forces, than your interpretation of religion. Religion grew out of a curiosity in and an attempt to understanding the forces under whose control and will power we can never escape from.

Even if you do not believe in "religion", especially organized religion with codes, rites, prayers, etc. you are technically under the influence of religious forces everyday.

Now Now Now MissSwiss.

This is not a thread for arguing pointlessly, but to express religious conviction. I'm elated that your learning about Islam but don't be so damn defensive. Islam in my opinion is a subsect of a broader belief most closely associated with Christianity filled with all the same archetypes and characters....Now the sole infinitesimal point you are poorly trying to use for the sake of your entire argument is that Muslims don't see Muhammed as the Son of Allah. Fine. I never said or have thought otherwise. The point, my dear MissSwiss, is that if you were to take 10 seconds out of your hateful reply time to think about a comparison and contrast of the two you would find innumerable similarites. Hey, you're right....one is seen as the Son of God and the other isn't...but dear, does that really discredit all other similarities? Study....I encourage you whole-heartedly....but empty your cup before trying to fill it....study with an open mind.......

.....Or hey, just call everything that doesn't agree with your thoughts 'ignorant.'


(please don't make this an argument board, though I'm sure you'll have fun in reply to my post)

I guess on the deepest plane I'm agnostic in the most literal sense. Many confuse Agnosticism with discern...it's not. I believe in God, but it's pointless to ponder the afterlife, or his being because there is no humanly answer. All search isn't outward for the God of the world....all search is inward for the God of self and that's why I don't read things for the concepts so much as for the way that the authors approach the contemplation of their God. God is different to everyone, every christian God is different to every Christian...the same goes for every Allah...the same for every Buddah (bad example, but my point is made).....

This is why I have a hard time with organized religions.....can something so powerful be so bounded?

To put this in, perhaps, a slightly less subjective manner: the "Judeo-Christian" religions (Judaism, Islam, and all sects of Christianity) share innumerable points, theories, codes of conducts, characters, and even texts. They are most definitely related to a common root - in fact, Mohammad and Jesus provide the exact time in which their followers broke from this root.

MissSwiss - I think you took SXCard's point extremely too personally. It's been a while, but I believe that the Koran refers to Christians and Jews as "people of the book", due to common ancestral root beliefs, and allows them a special place in paradise after 500 years of purgatory - if you need any more connection between Islam and Christianity, then certainly we can go for that. I think SXCard has stated similarity in form, custom, and belief between the two (even three) religions, and I don't think that anyone will argue this. Sure, there are implicit differences in belief or custom (otherwise they'd be the same religion), but in general all three are very similar (as they should be - they came from the same common root religion and people).

I call it "the universe." :-P

Of which natural forces do you speak?

Again, which forces are these, and how do you classify them as religious?

Please tell me: what is a religious force? What is a natural force? Are they one and the same? If you will clarify this, then I will better understand your POV.

Yes. Religion was not created in a vacuum. It is an expression of the natural forces. Morality, reason, etc. are all natural forces, they are what we have used to evolve our various concepts of "religion." It is impossible to separate the two because they are linked.

The sun and understanding its power over our universe was the beginning of the concept of an ominipotent God--w/ or w/o organized worship.

Even being semi-conscious of the fact that the sun will rise tomorrow and the tide will come in, are in fact religious expressions.

(Hey, how's that for geeky. :D)

why is it that deep, meaningful threads get dropped quickly while light ones stay up for so long? Does no one have anymore thoughts to share about their religious affiliation? We should all be religious given that most orgs are seemingly based on religious ideals....

Well, I'm Greek Orthodox and I could go on about everything I have learned but all in all I like what I have learned but feel like God, or whoever you would like to call him created us all....we all are here for a reason and cannot figure out why there would be a Hell.....I guess I feel like it should be more about love than separation and hate....

What does kill me is the "Bible Beaters" on the beach that walk up and ask if you are going to Heaven! And then start in about Jesus...and if you have accepted him and if not you will go to Hell...Um, thanks but no thanks!

My question is to all who think you have to accept Jesus and Lord and Savior...what about everyone else...what about tribes and such that have never seen a bible...I mean, they will go to Hell b/c they never had the oppurtunity? I just cannot see that happening.

It's simple but that's my .02!

I am going to have to agree with you. I know "bible Bangers" (that's what we call them down south) have good intentions, but they cannot assume that everyone wants to be a Christian. Secondly, even within the Christian Church, not all denominations have the same ideas of salvation. LexiKD, you mentioned that you are Greek Orthodox so I know you don't have the same idea of salvation as some of the Protestant denominations. The same with Catholicism (my faith), salvation is more of a process in comparison to some of the faiths that you can convert/join over night.

Yes, it isn't an overnight saving...more like a work in prgress!

[COLOR=deep pink]Well, this has certainly been interesting to read this thread.

Personally, I am a Christian. One of the main things that I find so...what's the word...discouraging (I guess) about Christianity is the big fuss over denominationalism *sp*. I personally don't have a certain denomination. I'm a Christian. that's it. I believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Ghost. I believe in the teachings of the Bible, whether they "actually" happened as described or at all, is irrelevent to their message and teachings. There is no hell, the book of Revelations outlines what is to occur when Jesus returns to the Earth. Hell is a term people made up. Its non-existant. I believe that a person's soul can be saved when you accept the gift of salvation. From then you have to change your life, which is a lifelong process. THAT doesn't happen overnight. But since NO ONE is perfect, no one will get it exactly right, the point is to try to do it right, and to make amends to God when you slip up. I've sinned a plenty, but I apologize for them and try to move beyond them and try not to do them again.

But the whole thing is to discover for yourself what YOU personally believe in, and to respect others beliefs even if they are different from your own. You don't have to like it or agree with it, but you do have to let people be to find their own path. You can show them yours, but you can't MAKE them believe it. [/COLOR]

I'm not sure what the difference is between faith and spirituality. I have faith, and I try to do what is expected of me. I believe in the peaceful co-existence of different people with different religions and ideas. I mostly believe in the Golden Rule and respect and compassion for fellow human beings. Have a great day whatever you believe! :)

Here's a question....Does going to church prove any point toyou whatsoever? I'm not saying here's no point....many learn fromit as I hope they should.....but the cathli church conflicts with too many of my philosohies and so I leave frustrated and antagonized.

There are many paths to truth...may each man find his route. I wish I had my Kahlil Gibran with me because that is one of te greatest prophets alongside the wods of Socrates according to Plato.....I really need to read Xenophon (sp?) because I hear that he does Socrates less grace than Plato....and s more accurate.

Christians...tell me this.....wwhat do you think of the story of Job......I could send you a very ymbolic short story I oncewrote ina timethat I ws fucked up over the story of Job and I contmplate that isue...i could pm you if your interested n it....i know my spelling is poor now, btmy keys are shitty and i don't care to edit...sorry...'m drunk and unhappy....but i'm so happy that so many people don't believe in the conceptf hell but i wish missswiss would coe back...why would god ever say hety...you fucked up so bad you can never experience my gooodnes...that makes no sense at all...God wouldn't do tat....excuse me if I did capitalixe the G in God erlier...I meant to because I thinkg it sdshoutrd be ...i gotta go

Drinking and the internet don't mix!;)

I don't know.....it's kind of fun to read it now.....and as long as i don't make TOO much of an ass of myself

Interesting thread. I am a Christian and as a song that I love says "that means I'm far from perfect, simply redeemed."

I believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God--that he breathed life into the words and while allowing an individual's personality and experiences to shine through. I believe that the Bible is 100% true in it's original languages and to have a full, true appreciation of the Word you must understand it in it's original languages.

I believe that God the Father, God the Son (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit are co-equal. I believe that there is one God, in three persons. I really don't understand how this can be fully, but God and given me a peace about it and I believe, as my grandmother used to say, that I will understand it "by and by".

I believe that their is a heaven and a hell. Hell is not, as some people have said, a "punishment" from a good God. It is simply the fulfillment of consequences. To me it's just like if you throw a ball in the air. It will, eventially, come down. That's just the natural order of things. God has given people an option. Admit that you are a sinner and that you cannot do it alone and that you need my help or not. It's your choice. He will do many things to get you to see that, but ultimately it's up to you.

I am probably what some of you would call one of those "Bible Thumpers/Pusher, etc because I evangelize with my church. I also feed the hungry, provide clothes to the homeless and do other "good deeds", but I believe that the most important gift that you can provide to someone is the gift of salvation. If I knew someone was killing themselves with drugs, about to jump off a tall building, etc. I would feel like it was my duty as a person to stop them. Same thing about salvation.

I believe that those who consider Jesus a "good man" or a "good teacher" only have fooled themselves. He said things like "I am the way, the truth and the life. None come to the Father except through me." and "I an my Father are one." If he was not God, these things are an insult to God and would put him in the company of Jim Jones and David Koresh, not a good teacher.

SigmaChiCard, I couldn't really follow your comments about Job (suprise!), but I think it a good example of a couple of things:
1. Being a Christian does not mean you are exempt from pain and suffering.
2. The devil can't do anything that God does not allow him to do.
3. Trusting God means trusting him through the good and the bad times. One of my favorite scriptures to recite when going through trouble is what Job said to the Lord "Yet though He slay me, I will trust Him"

Last point, because this is getting long, someone asked the question about people who haven't had an opportunity to hear about God. I believe we are all born with a God consciousness and that only God can fill it. I think that if someone has truly been on a search for God but did not get an opportunity to hear the Gospel God rewards that. He does, however, expects Christians to "go and make disciples of all nations."

This was discussed in my church community group a while back. According to one of the members, who studies theology, there is only one little section in the world where the word of God has not reached. I forgot whats it's name, however I know it is four numbers, meaning the lattitude and longitude of that area.

I can appreciate this on many levels, although I disagree with how strict you are on this, but that's just personal opinion/faith-based. For instance, in any language the Bible infers the value of pi to be three ("a circle thirty cubits around, and 10 across") - Do you mean that you believe everything originally written as the Old and New Testament was true, and may have been lost and/or changed by human error along the way? Just making sure I get where you're coming from - this way makes more sense to me, but that's purely subjective.

Again, I vehemently disagree with you here, but your argument is cogent and makes sense from the level you're looking at it.

There have been many men that have said things similar to the claims made by Jesus - what exactly has convinced you that he is the Messiah? I think that's the root of what this thread would be, to me - you seem very strongly religious, what provides you with the certainty you have in your faith? How can you be sure that you're not fooling yourself, much like you think non-Christians do? I think these questions are the more important to those that don't necessarily hold your viewpoint, for our purposes of discussion here.

Even if it's just 'blind' faith - which would mean taking one hypothesis as fact, and using it for the basis of other inferences - I'm interested to understand how your faith works. I'm not from the south, and midwestern religion (especially protestant churches) tends to be less in this vein.

On a separate note - what are your feelings on issues such as evolution, etc?

2?'s
 

Since a lot of GLO's are founded by Christian, Jewish, or other religious priciples, has that ever altered anyones decision on joining a particular GLO? Both of the GLO's I've been in were founded on Christian principles, however I have had several atheist and Jewish sisters/brothers. It would seem to me that if I was of non-christian belief and I found out that the GLO I wanted to join was founded on Christian beliefs, that would be somewhat of a turn-off to me. Same case with the vice-versa.

Totally unrelated to the above, but it does have to do with sprirituality. Being "saved" or "borned again" is a big thing in Christianity. Has anyone ever gotten "saved" and then backslid to your old ways or known someone who has? According to scripture, what would happen to that person, spiritually?

hummmm.....I'm not aware of your statement about the Bible saying the value of pi is 3, so I can't speak on it. Maybe I'll do some additional research and get back to ya! To answer your question, yes, that is exactly what I believe.

Quote:

There have been many men that have said things similar to the claims made by Jesus - what exactly has convinced you that he is the Messiah? I think that's the root of what this thread would be, to me - you seem very strongly religious, what provides you with the certainty you have in your faith? How can you be sure that you're not fooling yourself, much like you think non-Christians do? I think these questions are the more important to those that don't necessarily hold your viewpoint, for our purposes of discussion here. Even if it's just 'blind' faith - which would mean taking one hypothesis as fact, and using it for the basis of other inferences - I'm interested to understand how your faith works. I'm not from the south, and midwestern religion (especially protestant churches) tends to be less in this vein.

O.K. with out getting into another dissertation :) My believe first starts with there is a 'creator' of this all. I was raised Christain so my journey started here. I did however, reach a point in my life where I questioned the validity of the Bible and agreed with, in some sense the "all paths lead to the truth" idea. The more I read the Bible the more I saw that there were few (if any) gray areas and I had to make a choice. Jesus fulfills the requirements of the Messiah from the Old Testament, but of course that means that you have to believe the O.T. :) Faith is an inner/heart thing, but faith is being strengthed by archeological (sp?) facts.

Quote:

On a separate note - what are your feelings on issues such as evolution, etc?

I believe that God did create the world in 6 days, but I don't know how He classified "days" and that during that time, many things could have happened including some forms of evolution. I don't believe, however, that we evolved from apes. If we did, why are there still apes? I also don't believe in the "big bang theory". I mean, there was a spontaneous combustion and then there was "life"? And from this one cell creature we have flowers, birds, dogs, people? That takes a bigger leap of faith than Christianity to me!

OK - This is all for discussion purposes, by the way, I agree with much of your core values set, I'm just trying to get an understanding . . . But what archeological facts support the New Testament? No Jesus-era relics can be verified as authentic, although there is proof of a man Jesus, born near the date supposed. I just don't see the proof of his being messiah - and so . . .


OK - that's your belief, I won't try to change that. But for the record - the theory (and it is just that, a theory) of evolution isn't mutally exclusive - just b/c one species has evolved into another, doesn't mean it will no longer appear . . .

Big bang theory is definitely up for debate - that's just the prevailing theory, centuries ago it wouldn't have been heliocentric, I'm sure we'll come up with something better as we go . . . But if you look at the above quote about OT conditions for being the Messiah, and archeaological evidence, I'll have to disagree with your conclusion about the sizes of our respective leaps - but isn't that why the world's great, huh?

I'm really enjoying this thread and how most people can share without being mean.

Well, I was born Catholic, and was raised that way til I was 9. Then bounced from church to church til I was 13/14. Those churches were non-denominational, charismatic, etc. Also visited Baptist churches. At the first church after being catholic I was "born again" I never felt it tho and felt confused and left out when everyone else "spoke in tongues"....so I just faked it [besides their premise was that the holy spirit came upon the apostles which enabled them to speak foreign tongues----it's since been studied by linguists showing that these christians practicing glossolalia are NOT speaking a language...mostly saying repetitions]
Church was a place for me to belong since I was a geek at school. I was at the point of attending services 3 times a week plus youth night. But then I just left...I wasn't getting anything out of it.

Now, I consider myself agnostic. I think there is something there...god, goddess, singular or plural. who am I to say what it is? I believe that Jesus existed and that he did perform miracles...but that doesn't make him son of a god(although it is possible). I believe the bible was written by men....i've been told (by a Prof) that Genesis alone was written by at least 3 authors (shown through research--and by more than one person)

I believe in evolution - we are not descended from apes, but we have a common ancestor. Really now, look at the tremendous similarities between us and chimps. I also think this does not have to conflict with the Creation theory either since The Bible does not state how long a day is to God ; a day to god could be 100 yrs to humans.

I believe that the afterlife is whatever we think it is (kind of like that Robin Williams film "what dreams may come')
I also believe in reincarnation.

I believe in a lot of stuff....In one course I took(myth in literature) my Prof believed that ppl today are just looking for something to believe since the Industrial and scientific revolutions took religion as it was known away from many. That's why recently there has been a resurrgence of traditional religions as well as New Age spirituality and other outlets for ppl. Its human nature to want to know where we belong and how we, as a people, came here

any way, that's my opinion. BTW i didn't capitilize many words just cuz I'm lazy, not from disrespect.

An article in the New York times today says that a 7 million year old skull was found that is of human lineage (hominid)...with suggestions of Human facial complexity and a ape-like braincase. Evolution is a hard battle to fight when you don't believe in it (or don't want to).

I honestly don't know WHAT I am. I have my own religion I guess.

St Thomas Aquinas-It's better to believe- if you die and heaven and hell don't exist no problem you'll never know. If you die and lived without thought of God and his teachings-YOU IN BIG TROUBLE MAN! Opinion on those who doubt the existance of God- The stronger faith is to those who queston and search for reasons to believe in the existance of God and return a believer than to follow without conviction and never question at all.
Logic theory-Compared the universe, a well ordered system, to a machine. All machines have an inventor therefore the universe must have a creator.

Yes simplified because it's from 25 year old memory.

What do I believe?
I believe in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit ( the three leaf clover)
Saints can and do intercede for us---miracles
Heaven and Hell (devil and agents of the devil)
This is where I vere off course
Karma!!!!!!!!!!!!! BIG TIME BELIEF
Soulmates
I HOPE reincarnation
How you live your life is more important than what church you attend (or don't attend)
The soul is energy if you die with positive energy you will be drawn to the purest form of energy (heaven) Otherwise you return and learn the next lesson.
Souls that can't or won't leave and being able to communicate with them.
Some people have their hell on earth

I know some of these are at odds with each other, but this is it-can't explan it-don't need to defend it.
When the kids were little it was pure Catholic teachings all the way. They need to have their own journey.

Ahhh, the first point I can actually relate to . . . (thanks JAM)

It's all enthalpy and entropy, thermodynamic stability and natural order. I feel that when you try to find your religious niche, this sort of 'fitting God into the universe' approach works faaaaar better than 'fitting the universe into God'. Evolution will suddenly WORK(!) if you just let your belief structure work within the frame of the world, and not the other way around.

I have serious problems understanding the Deus Ex Machina form of religion . . . but it has just as much a chance of being 'correct' as anything else, I suppose, just not for me.