posted
Well, it being Easter and having watched lots of church today, I've been thinking a lot about religion.
I believe in God, but it really bothers me how much all religions seem to conflict with my beliefs.
I haven't been able to find one is ok with premarital sex, homosexuality, doesn't put virginity on a pedestal, promotes gender equality, ect. And it bothers me.
I want to feel closer to god, but whenever I look into something more organized than my abstract beliefs. But at the same time, I want to find something accepting and tolerant.
Anyone been here before? Are there any religions that go more along with how I feel?
Posts: 430 | From: United States | Registered: Apr 2009
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quote:I haven't been able to find one is ok with premarital sex, homosexuality, doesn't put virginity on a pedestal, promotes gender equality, etc. And it bothers me.
There certainly are some. Unitarian Universalism, many kinds of Buddhism (most of which don't include a g-d, mind, and most Buddhism isn't exactly a religion, per se) and Neopaganism all do that. Some kinds of Judaism are also okay with some of the things on your list. I'm likely leaving out a couple either inadvertently, or because it's been a mighty long time since I took a world religions course.
Suffice it to say, some people who believe in a God do so in their own way without any kind of organized religion or spiritual belief system.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63272 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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posted
That's what I've been doing, the whole not so organized thing.
It's just lately (and I recognize that's probably due to the breakup I posted about= I'm not quite as tough about it as i was a couple days ago) I've been really wanting to reach out to something. However, every time go look up religious stuff, I've run into the judgmental parts, and it's kinda made me feel bad.
Do you have any links i could look at?
Posts: 430 | From: United States | Registered: Apr 2009
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If you're looking for churches/temples/groups for those above, you can just google the name of them and your area to find those.
If you're looking for extra info on any, you can google that, too, or check out Amazon for books on any of them.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63272 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
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posted
When people ask about my religion, I identify myself as an agnostic, which basically means that I have beliefs, but they don't coincide with any one particular organized religion. I borrow beliefs from the Buddhist and Pagan cultures, a little bit of Wicca, and the openness of Unitarian Universalism. I feel more at home in Unitarian churches than any other christian church, but don't necessarily agree with some of the beliefs. Some of my other beliefs come from books or music and movies even, and experiences that I've had in my life. Nobody's beliefs will be exactly the same, even within organized religions. Spirituality doesn't always have to exist with an organized religion. If you really want to hold on to something you believe in, you could try writing your beliefs out in a journal, drawing, listening to music that makes you feel good, or just going outside and sitting under a tree and meditating for a while. of course, if you'd like to talk about your beliefs or hear any others, I love religious discussions more than anything, and am totally open to pretty much everything that doesn't involve human or animal sacrifices or violence. =]
Posts: 44 | From: United States | Registered: Feb 2010
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posted
As a denomination, the episcopal church is often okay with the things you speak of as well, as is the Methodist church. Of course, individual church policy on those things depend on the church you go to, but those might be two Christian denominations to check out.
Posts: 12 | From: US | Registered: Mar 2010
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posted
I identify myself as a gay Christian, still trying to find my way though. A few good web pages to check out would be gaychristian.net and religioustolerance.org
Those two are Christian but I'm sure you could Google info for other religions as well.
Posts: 10 | From: MI | Registered: Apr 2010
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posted
I was in your problem a little wile ago. i live in the uk and don't know how common it is in the US but have you considered beeing a quaker? they are a cristen faith - they exsept any one. my brother is gay and gose with me and my boyfriend there every sunday. they are ok with pre marrage sex and dating (as i menchioned my boyfrined erlyer) give it a try =)
Posts: 24 | From: uk | Registered: Feb 2011
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