What does spirituality, religion, faith, or God mean to you and the way you live your life?

Question

Do you feel you have to believe in a higher power? Did you grow up with a faith in your life? Do you think it's important to believe in something?

What works for you?

Answer 1

My spirituality helps me when I'm loosing my way. Not in the since that it tells me what to do, but it hold many of the things that I believe in, in high regard and serves as a sounding post for my thoughts and ideas. I did not really grow up being taught any "faith" (though later on it was attempted) I found my own by looking into my heart and identifying with that which represents what I already knew. I do think that it's important to believe in something, whether it's a "God/goddess" figure, science, or just in yourself.

Answer 2

I think that everyone believes in something - if they acknowledge it or not. It can be a lucky penny to a Deity. I grew up in Presbyterian home, with a minister for a grandfather on one side and a lay pastor on the other. I do not, however, believe many of the things my church teaches. I believe that there is a God, and that we are all connected to him in everything we do. I believe that because of this we have no free will. That everything is part of the plan. That everything works for the plan. It is because of this I do not believe in Hell. Many people disagree with this. They want a hell for the people who have done bad things. They have just done their propose.

Let's say, for example - to better understand what I mean - that Man A is a strict fundamentalist and Man B is an atheist. They are brother's and have lunch together at least twice a week - they are the best of friends. Even though Man B does not have God in his life, he leads a good life, he does good things - he volunteers in all sorts of things that Man A ( a christian) does not. Man B dies from a horrible illness but is not very bitter about it, just accepting. His death casts Man A to reconsider his religion. How could his brother be such a loving, compassionate person even without Jesus? Man A writes a book that alters the minds of thousands. See? Part of the plan. It doesn't necessarily have to be that big. It can be a small action. Rescuing an animal and all of those people who enter your house and see this new pet have been touched by your action.

How do I live with my beliefs? It's life, that's how it applies to my life. The day by day interactions are part of the plan. If I have confused you, or confused others, please feel free to e-mail.

Answer 3

I wish I could type Kevin Costner's speach in Bull Durham in here, but it would get reported. And to edit out the first part would just be a disservice.

I just believe in living a good life, taking care of my kids, working hard, and having fun. I give people respect until they prove they do not deserve it. I follow the letter of the law. I say yes ma'am and no sir. I mind my own business, and if the guy next door wants to wear a sombrero and flippers while rubbing green jello all over him while watching Star Trek, I don't care.

I live by the motto of "I may not agree with what you have to say, but will fight for your right to say it.

I try to smile a lot, and hope it makes others smile.

Above all, I just try to be nice to people, until it is time to not be nice(yes, stole that from Roadhouse, good line though).

And, yes, I do all of this without believing in any sort of go, higher power, or spiritual being.

Answer 4

Yeah I believe I have to believe in a higher power because I can't go through life wondering who made me and how the world came to be. Yeah I am still growing in my faith and I will continue. Yes it is definetally important to believe in something because if you don't then we are all left with ?s and the scientists who think that they have figured everything out and spent all this money on finding on how the Earth came to be could of just looked in the Bible. How do the scientists explain that the world just got on track and the axis is perfect so we could have our seasons and everything? They just make stuff up for people to believe.

Answer 5

I'd like to quote Douglas Adams, and say "Isn't it enough to see a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?".

For me, the world is amazing enough for me not have to believe in a "higher power". I grew up from a fairly mixed family faith-wise, but I personally think that faith and religious beliefs are not important.

Answer 6

Buddhism works for me. We don't believe in a higher power because such a being is illogical. I grew up as a Catholic by birth but was questioning things from kindergarten level CCD on up, studied various religions for years and arrived at this point and finally have settled.

Answer 7

nicely, I dunno. looks we've missed that sorry boat. there is been quite various new believers round considering we moved right here..... Why is it we are consistently stumbling over those who, merely on the right time, favor to settle for the Lord as Savior? the position do you stay? perhaps its the area you stay in it truly is imparting you with that impact? From what I see its quite the different. "....clergymen/pastors nevertheless favor to inform human beings a thanks to stay their existence and are available to a decision what's sinful and what's not." Then why are diverse nevertheless coming round, desperately asking pastors for help with their lives stressed down with sin?

Answer 8

One don't have to anything in life we have choices; but remember this There is a God up above and you will have to serve one or the other. (Your eternal home will be Heaven or Hell the choice is yours).

Answer 9

No.
No.
Yes, in science.

The Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Ramen !

Answer 10

I trust in science. Fact, the only way to live.