What do you think of this kind of religion? Would you join it? What would it be called?

Question

1) Any and all beliefs or nonbeliefs are acceptable.
2) There are no services unless a member decides to hold one and attendance is optional.
3) The only rules that exist are those that each individual holds for herself/himself.
4) There is no need to put any money in a plate or basket; you get to keep it in your own wallet.
5) The tradtional hymn/theme song is November Rain or whatever song you like.
6) The Holy Book is your own webpage or blog.
7) Everything about the church is subject to change.
8) Sin does not exist.
9) Every day is a day of rest.
10) The only god that exists is you.

Answer 1

Think I can handle it. I'm 93 and going strong.Time for new adventure.

Answer 2

Hmmmm........sounds a bit like Hinduism sort of.

1) any and all beliefs and nonbeliefs are acceptable - Hinduism says that all religions when followed deeply can produce the same results and that even people who do not have a religion can do things in their daily life that also can achieve the same result (and then many Hindu teachers give examples from each religion and even those who had no religion but then are considered 'Hindu' because they lived in India and were gurus there, but they themselves claimed no religion before Self-realization or after). As one Hindu teacher said "A mother who is devoted to her child is equally as spiritual as the devotee who is devoted to God. For the mother can see God in her child and thus the devotion is the same and can produce the same results."

2) Hindus generally only go to the temple for special occasions and holidays, and that's only if they want. Worship is done in the home and is decided upon by the individual if they desire to do it or not (families often gather together, though, atleast once a day...but again, if an individual does not wish to participate in puja and meditation at home, then they do not have to...Hindus don't believe in forcing people to believe or to practice, etc)

3) Hinduism is amazing diverse in its teachings and thoughts that most Hindus have a wide range to read and choose and learn from. How one lives their life is determined by the individual. The sacred texts only make suggestions.

4) Hindus do donate money, but this is done to the organizations they choose to donate money to. Some will donate to the temple, to keep it operating (temples are not just spiritual places, but also community centers). However, again you do not have to ever donate any money or anything. That's just a suggestion and the individual Hindu can decide this for themself.

5) songs are always being written, generally that chant any of the numerous names of the Divine. However, as any bhakti Hindu will tell you, any song can be a song about God. Afterall, God is in all things and everywhere and beyond the universe, therefore even in a song God exists.

6) Hinduism has a large selection of sacred texts ... and they're still writing them!!!! Mainly the Vedas, Upanishads, and books like the Bhagavad Gita are held in high esteem, but Hindus don't see any reason to stop writing. There are always new ways to explain in this time period what was explained in earlier time periods. Some books are held in esteem that are necessarily "sacred texts", but are texts and commentaries written by the vast numbers of saints, gurus, teachers, and so on in Hinduism (some from even the modern gurus, teachers, saints, etc)

7) Hinduism does not have a central authority, it's not that kind of organized religion. It is very diverse and vast and as one Hindu teacher said in an article "in the end every Hindu is the authority of their beliefs."

8) The concept of sin is definately different in Hinduism. What is usually translated as 'sin' in English from the sacred texts isn't what Christians or Jews call sin. Hindus use the word to mean that which causes harm. Although, generally speaking Hindus usually don't use the word. While Western religions say that the problem with mankind is sin, Hindus say that the problem with mankind is ignorance. We are ignorant of our true self and ignorant of our connection to the universe, the world, etc. We ignorantly believe that God is seperate from us, that we are seperate from the universe, that we are somehow superior to the world we live in and thus are not effected by what we do it.

9) Every day is a day of rest if you are a sannyasin (or renunciant) in Hinduism. They have no homes, etc. They have renounced the world to live as simply as possible and focus on spiritual practices. Often the only thing they own is what is given to them from others (food, clothes). For those of us who choose to have families and houses and cars, etc, then work is necessary to maintain those, although we should never over work ourselves and living simply is suggested (so we don't have to over work and can have time to spend with out families and friends and also on our spiritual practices and of course to enjoy everything we have in our lives).

10) The only god that exists is you. Ah, now I think you may be closer to understanding Hinduism. The Upanishads say of Brahman (God) "Tat tvam asi" which translates "You are that". Everything is God, God is in Everything. The prayer that is said over food before one eats is "God is the ritual. God is the offering. God is the person who offers into the fire which God." (the fire refering to not only the sacrifice ritual of placing offerings of food into a fire, but also to the fire of the appetite, fire representing the desire to eat).

So, I think I'm already this religion ... or atleast very close.

Answer 3

Hell!

The proper name for such a "religion" is Humanism. Such a system teaches "if it feels good, do it!"

Most of the western world live by this standard. The problem is that the Bible says "There is a way that seems right unto man but the end is death." This death isn't only hell after death, but a life that isn't fulfilled now.

Christianity is not a religion but a relationship with Jseus. This relationship leads to life both now and after death.

God says "I set before you life and death, choose one". A no brainer, you say,and I agree. But God loves you so much that He even gives you the best choice. He says "CHOOSE LIFE".

Answer 4

That isnt any sort of Religion that is the way some people live and it would be completely the opposite of Christianity- so it sounds a lot like an atheist designed it. I would not join this religion.

Answer 5

Not Xtianity for sure. Hinduism/ Bhuddism. sin doesnt exist, but Karma does.

Answer 6

That's what life is like for the nonreligious, except for number 9. I love it.

Answer 7

Atheism. And no, I wouldn't join it cause its not really a religion. It has nothing to hold on to.

Answer 8

you ask questions about religion, and god, are you curious or afraid of death? Afraid of death- don't be you are giving other people room and you earn money so you can give joy to other people, when you die, you awake, to Heaven or Rebirth

Answer 9

Hmm... you're forming your own one? You'll have to join the bee line of 25,000 others ahead of you...

Good luck!

Peace be with you!

Answer 10

Atheism, or Agnosticism. I wouldn`t join.

Answer 11

What an idea. It sounds like my religion.