Does any religion or spiritual group go with these beliefs?(no preaching, please, just an answer)?

Question

Suppose I dont believe that there is a god or several gods or any sentient being out there. However, I dont think that religion is bad. Its great if a group of diverse people can be brought together under the ideas of certain morally correct behaviors and beliefs. Regardless of wheather anultimate god exists, if belief in his teachings encourages people to do good, then i'm all for it. Religion starts to get bad when it stops promoting coexistance and love and starts codemning any group with different ways of practicing. I read about atheism, but that seems like it scorns people who do believe in a divinity, and I dont think that it's right to discriminate people for their beliefs(so long as they're positive). I also dont think that we should only do good in this life so as not to be punished when we die. I think people should do good while they're here because its the right thing to do, and when you die, you're dead. :-) Any response, imput, or advice would be appreciated!

Answer 1

You might also be surprised to learn what Reform Judaism is all about. Just because Christians call the 2 religions Judeo-Christian doesn't mean we have the same "beliefs."

Answer 2

I see your point and agree with most of it. I believe in God, I consider myself a Christian (though Im sure some may argue it) but I dont close the door on the idea that I can be wrong. Though I think Id disagree with the idea that people really could live coexistantly with no problems as long as they lived "good" lives. Mainly because my idea of good and yours may be different. We do all have different minds and our own moral standards. Even Christians feel one sin is worse than another and so forth. Our own humanity would keep us from all living in peace unfortunately. I am a peaceful person, and I dont want to hurt anyone but there are people who are nasty by nature and they would still be around and still have a much different idea of what is good and bad than I would. Religion doesnt make people good or bad, people with good hearts will be good hearted no matter what religion they're in, those with bad hearts, the same.

Answer 3

This may sound like I'm being a bit crazy here... but hear me out. There is a religion called... the Church of Satan... see I am sounding crazy now but stay with me here... and basically it has the view that the highest goal is oneself. Having said that the idea of always acting in one own's best interest will, generally, mean helping others. For example, it would be stupid of a follower of the Church of Satan to steal as this would slightly damage the economy and make their own money and goods worth a fraction less than before. It is also against religious perseculation as this basically breeds hate which could be turned against oneself.
Another, less crazy sounding, religion with similar beliefs to what you have described is the Universal Life Church of Southern California, and the Universal Ministies. Both of these two religions have werbsites you could do a search for.

I hope this helps.

Answer 4

Agnostic - if you neither believe nor disbelieve in a god(s), this is to say you think that is unknowable therefore you just concern yourself with this mortal life here on Earth. Atheism - if you are sure there is no god. Being an atheist does not mean you have to be scornful of those that do believe in a god.

Edit: and to think it is right to live a decent and (generally acceptable) moral life does not require any sort of label to describe a theological viewpoint - it's just called being a nice person :-)

Answer 5

Your beliefs sound Agnostic, meaning you don't know if there is or isn't a Higher Power. Agnostics also believe it's not really all that important to believe in a High Power.

However, you could also be the rare Atheist where you actually accept all religions, just as long as it supports coexistence and tolerance.

Additionally, after reading everyone else's replies, you could also have Buddhists beliefs.

Answer 6

Actually, there are many people who feel like you profess to. If they are not sure, they are called agnostics. If they definitely do not believe in a God or Higher Power or Cosmic Consciousness or whatever you wish to call it, they are called atheists. As for the rest of what you said, such as doing good because it is the right thing to do; that is a very positive thing and that is how good acts should be performed. Now, if only we could get everyone to feel that way!

Answer 7

What a beautiful philosophy! You're exactly right. Any religion that seeks to refute the beliefs of another religion is actually doing the exact opposite thing that religion was intended for. It seems all religions are based on a moral code which is believed to satisfy the desire or will of a supreme being or beings. All the common tenets of the world's plethorea of religions seem to agree that any harm we inflict upon another human being is "evil", and somehow comes back on us, in a variety of ways.

Hopefully, someday, the "spiritual leaders" of the world will summon the personal courage to cast aside their fear of damnation, and use the common elements between our religions to preach about universal acceptance, understanding, and tolerance. Contrary to popular belief, it seems to me that we are getting closer and closer to that era every day.

Peace!

Answer 8

Reconstructive Judiasm does not require belief in God just Jews coming together. See this page which shows how top psychologists have researched this and came to the same conclusion that you did. Has info on religion but not focused on God but is all about you. If you save someone's life, he will be alive whether or not you beleive in God. Buddhism ignores God and focuses on the person.

http://phifoundation.org/happiness.html

Answer 9

The religion you are looking for is Utilitarian Universalist.

From their website: "At a Unitarian Universalist worship service or meeting, you are likely to find members whose positions on faith may be derived from a variety of religious beliefs: Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, naturist, atheist, or agnostic. Members might tell you that they are religious humanists, liberal Christians, or world religionists.

All these people, and others who label their beliefs still differently, are faithful Unitarian Universalists committed to the practice of free religion. We worship, sing, play, study, teach, and work for social justice together as congregations-all the while remaining strong in our individual convictions."

Answer 10

I am christian but that is no matter really, I think any religion is just that, a religion. I agree and believe some of what you stated, but in my opinion it is a personal decision for everyone what they believe even in the same faith. I also dont think there is a right or wrong look at it. As for me, I follow Jesus and the Bible. I pray for all no matter what and do "good" becasue it is the "right" thing to do no matter what faith or beliefs.
Thanks for bringing up this question.
God Bless.