can anyone help me with my life pleeease?

Question

ok im looking at many religions at the moment and the ones that really stand out to me are paganism, hinduism, buddhism and hare krishna.......ism!Is there anyone who follows these religions as im genuinely very interested in finding out. Maybe i might find an answer to all of my questions. p.s im a (confused) girl in the north west of england. thankyouuu!

squirrely druid! i'd love to know about druidism! thanks

Answer 1

Good resources about Druidism:

A nice description with links at the bottom:
http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/drud.html

Some of my favorite essays and websites on the subject:
http://draeconin.com/database/celtreli.htm
http://www.conjure.com/whocelts.html
http://www.wildideas.net/cathbad/druid.html

I highly recommend reading this site before investing in any books:
http://www.cyberwitch.com/wychwood/Library/whenIsACeltNotACelt.htm

If you are familiar with Wicca, perhaps a comparison of the two neo-pagan faiths would be useful:
http://davensjournal.com/index.htm?DaWaC.xhtml&2
http://wicca.timerift.net/not_celtic.shtml
http://www.tangledmoon.org/wiccanotceltic.htm

About Celtic Reconstructionism:
http://paganachd.com/faq/index.html

Since you live in England, perhaps you would be interested in talking to other pagans (mostly in the UK) who follow Brythonic pagan paths. This is a great forum. There is a lot of information on there about various beliefs, mythology, geography, poetry, and history of the peoples of ancient Britain. This is the link for the home page with good essays and links:
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/blackbirdhollins/
This is the forum. I'm not sure if you need to be 18 to join. Hope to see you there!
http://caerfeddwyd.proboards43.com/

Answer 2

these religions are so different in their beliefs...you might want to reexamine your own ideas and beliefs, and then look at these religions to see which has the most similarities.
I would suggest perhaps looking at maybe Unitarianism or another religion that is more open if you are not sure of your beliefs but like the principles shown by the religions you've mentioned. I'm trying to find out more about a religion called Yoism, which you might like as well.
Try doing an internet search if you haven't already on the religions you're looking into. do some more research.
Or you could always let yourself be persuaded by all the Christians shoving their beliefs down your throat.

Answer 3

I'm a pagan, and it's suited me well. However, if you're looking for more information - OBJECTIVE information - check out http://www.religioustolerance.org/ for a good overview of the different religions and some of the issues specific to each of them, as well as their views on some "hot topic" issues like abortion, the place of women in the religion, etc.

That said - hare krishna is very concerned with traditional gender roles for men and women, and a lot of women find that it chafes to be expected to give leadership always to a man regardless of which of them is more competent. http://society.krishna.org/Articles/2001/01/00231.html has the society's position on where women fit.

Buddhism (most forms) don't care about gender. Hinduism depends on the sect (hare krishnas are actually a hindu sect). Paganism generally considers both genders equal, with women sometimes considered a bit superior - in traditional Wiccan circles, for example, a High Priestess is usually the one who really runs the show.

Answer 4

If I may offer a suggestion, both paganism and Buddhism can be practiced on different levels, and these are far more easily molded to the life you already lead. If you want an organized religion that isn't pure set and practiced doctrine, then choose paganism or Buddhism.

I have to wonder though, do you realize the great differences between these? Buddhists are generally agnostics, pagans generally believe in more than one god, and really, shouldn't you be basing your choice on which scenario you believe rather than which religion is most appealing?

Answer 5

I am a pagan and would love to show you what I have learned on my path as a Witch. There are many forms of paganism, my path may not appeal to you, but I feel with religion, what feels right for you, is right. It is not easy to 'find' a path, I searched for a long time, researching many different types of religion until my path found me.
As a Witch, my relationship with nature is part of my relationship with the divine. I believe there is a masculine and feminine divinity, the cause of the life spark that started it all. Nature is a union of male and female in all things and a respect for nature is a respect for the divine.
If Witchcraft sounds interesting, email me, and I'll direct you to some of the places I visited, and share with you what I have learnt.

Answer 6

You know, that "confused" feeling is the emptyness that you might have in your heart. Why would you have an emptyness in your heart?

A wise man once said, "For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be."

Begin by examining what is in your heart and what is missing...

Tough task, but attainable...

Then, make a list as to why these religions attract you...

Once you have done all this, and you decide on one of these "ISMs", you will still notice a void in your heart. That treasure isn't in your heart...You can't seem to bury it there...But Why?!?!

You did your research, you examined your heart, you made your decision...But what still keeps you confused?

You are missing the true treasure that fill your heart with great light. Light that cannot hide in the darkness. Light that fills the innerwalls of your heart...

The truth is, there is only one way to have a new life, and that is through

Jesus Christ...

"I am the way and the truth and the life."

Answer 7

Paganism is a subtle form of satanism. So unless you plan on worshipping the devil I would strongly encourage you stay away from paganism.

Hinduism is an eastern mystical religion that only offers a better life to those that do certain things rather than receiving a free gift from god. Once you have attained nirvana only then are you promised to be reincarnated as a cow. So, unless you like chewing the cud, I would stay away from hinduism.

Buddhism requires a life of solitude (thus the monks) and a life that is almost impossible to attain being a person of western culture. Unless you want to move to Tibet and live at 20,000 feet above sea level, I would strongly encourage you to stay away from buddhism.

As for Hare Kirshnas, the organization has been tainted with financial scandals and sexual misdeeds for 30+ years now. Unless you like to have group sex and throw away your money, not to mention the negative stigma attached to Hare Kirshnas, I would stay away from it.

Instead, learn about the teachings of Christ. Jesus provided a wisdom and way of life that no Confucius or Buddha have ever attained. What makes Christianity unique from any other religion is that you do not have to attain anything or do anything to come to know God in a very personal way. Praise his Holy name!

Answer 8

There are a number of books about religions about. I'd suggest having a look through one. Maybe something will jump out at you - it did for me.

I also suggest you think about what links the faiths you have expressed an interest in. They all share a respect for life in its many forms, are more polytheistic than monotheistic etc.

Take your time and good luck!

Answer 9

I'm a Druid, one of the Pagan faiths, I'd be glad to teach you about the religion. Feel free to contact me through my Answers profile. I've been a Druid for over 5 years, and I view it as a pleasure to be able to pass on my knowledge to others.

Answer 10

Why not found your own religion....it would have the same validity of many of the various religions you stated. All religions were started by some nutcase, and become over the years urban legends, and transform eventually into a bone fide religion.....which is only there to control the people.

don't follow a religion.....plough your own furrow and follow your own path to God.

He will be there for you whether or not you go to church.