I would PLEASE like to hear other peoples views on religion...?

Question

My whole life I have lived in Utah, hence my whole family is LDS... LOL. I feel that I have been forced into this religion. I don't believe in any of it. I would like to hear other peoples views on religion, and mormonism. Thanks!

Answer 1

The fact that you are questioning is a good start. However, there is no need to condemn or judge your parents or peers on this subject. Instead...follow your own path at your own pace. Try not to be so focused on one "true" religion. And focus more on yourself and who you want to be as a human being. Not what religion is right. There may be a perfect religion for you specifically or none at all. Give yourself time to ask the questions and come up with answers on your own. Everything else is just a matter of opinion and or "faith" on someone Else's part. Who has lived a life based on other experiences and perceptions. Just walk your walk...and enjoy the journey. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself or others to have the perfect answer. Keep digging....the treasure of knowledge is with in you.

Answer 2

I believe religion has done many good things for people but also some very bad things. It is the cause of discrimination, xenophobia, cults, and murder in the name of a god. It causes wars and destruction. On the other hand, it has helped pull people out of some very deep smut. Addictions, family problems, all that is wrong in the world...some people are helped and even lifted up by religion. But some people misuse its power.

I don't know much about Mormonism other than its another sect of Xtianity--being Jewish, this doesn't mean much to me. But from what I've heard it seems a little strange. That's probably just because I don't know much about it. But I do have some LDS friends that I absolutely love.

Answer 3

I will actually say that i belong to the church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints. You say that you do not believe any of what is taught. Have you ever read the Book of Mormon it is a great book? Have you ever had the spirit touch you? I personally believe and that the Book of Mormon is true and that the church is true. I am so thankful that i will be able to see my family again after they have departed here on this earth. I also know that president Hinckley is a true and living profit and leads and guides the church. I have felt many and many of more things. I have felt the spirit so strong when it comes to many of things including in a church meeting.
If i were you i would go down into Salt Lake City and go to Temple Square and sit in quite and pray to see if the church is true. Also if you get tickets and go into general conference to alive session and see how you feel about it in there. There are so many things that you can do to get your answer. Just pray about it and see how you feel about it. Well have a good day and again pray and read the scriptures and maybe things will change.

Answer 4

I agree with Jimmy J. I do not know what I believe either. I do not think I am atheist albeit some of my answers & questions may seem as though I am. I was born a Catholic and am considered a Catholic by birth, communion and confirmation (which I chose myself, I should add) but I like you do not believe in it. I guess you can say I too was forced into it, but I do not see that as something bad. My parents did what they thought was best for me because they loved me. Can I blame them for that? No I appreciate that. I have hope that someday I will find comfort in a religion but I have not yet felt confident enough in any religion that currently exists. I seek knowledge and therefore I read and answer all questions that I think will help me to get closer to the knowledge I seek. My view is simply keep searching until you find the answer and do not let others try to sway you, make up your own mind, then you can say you are truly enlightened and then when you find it, try not to sway others to believe what you do, encourage them to do the same.

Answer 5

First, that really sucks if you were forced to be a part of a religion (although I don't really think you have been, because we all have a choice). Also, I'm guessing your parents would be more open to discussing things/issues with you then you think. They may be upset or bothered, but that is only because they believe what they do and care about you; I'm betting your happiness is their primary concern.

As you can see from many of the responses, there are plenty of people who dislike the LDS faith. And, I'm betting many of them troll these sites to try and respond negatively to questions regarding the faith. You can listen to what they say, but in the end you really need to educate yourself and dive into the religion (and any other religion you choose to study). Go directly to the source (e.g. if you want to know about LDS, learn from LDS people/scriptures, or Buddhism from Buddhists/Buddhist scriptures). People have biasis and of course will do anything to tear down what is a threat to their own faith.

Personally, I grew up in Utah, was LDS, although my father was inactive (not living with us) and my brothers weren't in the church either. My mother taught me to find out what I believe on my own and to seek wisdom. I spent my share of time living my life out of alignment with the LDS faith and eventually studied hundreds of religions (from the source). I also focused on getting my life in order (meaning, my future was the most important thing) by studying hard (got a degree, a masters, and law degree - outside of Utah) and being a good person. Eventually, I returned to the LDS faith, not because it was how I was raised, but because for me it was logical, intelligent, and true (based upon my receiving answers to my prayers).

For the most part, Mormons are looked at as very great people, highly resected, and trusted. Religion can't be a factor when hiring people, but people love hiring Mormons (the FBI hires tons of them, because they are trustworthy, have high morals and are intelligent). This is also the case in the business world.

All that being said, you need to find out on your own. God does exist and does answer prayers. Most important, you should focus on being a good person, being responsible, and look to the future. Don't let society (socially accepted norms) shape who you become, but make it an educated decision. I respect all people, regardless of religion (wife is agnostic), as we all should. Good luck.

Answer 6

Ok I am going to address this I was Baptist living in LA California before converting to being LDS You are asking others what they feel about The LDS religion when if you really know the religion You would see most people just listen to hearsay about the LDS religion and judge us by what others say in there own religion. Not by what we do or practice .Just like the guy who thought we had more than one wife you know this is false and why. It is hearsay. Read though these answers and determine if what they say is truth or hearsay.
Or do you really participate at church or just sleep in not going at all or sleep in at meetings, if you even go to meetings .

What you will find out there in the other religions some truth some half truth, some we will half to wait and see when we get to the other side talk to God. That’s how you will be answered!
I tell you go experience other churches you will see what I mean I did for many years some churches very enjoyable but something always seeming to be missing something.
I was reading some of your other questions it sounds like you are already out of the LDS church. This is what I am refereeing too http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvuJLup5.rNxvWjLFr.VgG_sy6IX?qid=20070121033155AAWmwic
Sounds like you’re already into drinking and such.
So this maybe a good experience for you to be out of the church for awhile Just be upfront and tell your parents .Move out when your 18 and follow your own religion what ever you want to be. I wish you well.
Hugs Sister Haggart

Answer 7

I was born and raised in Alabama. I consider myself a Baptist. I was saved and Baptised in the Baptist church. We believe that Jesus Christ ,born to Mary was sent by his Father(God) to live a perfect life here on Earth and to teach others to live a Christian life by following the Ten Commandments. If someone believes he was born, died for our sins and was buried and resurected on the third day (Easter) that we believe in him. If you trust and have Faith that God had this plan when he created Heaven and Earth and sent our Savior ,then you are saved. Christians should have a relationship with God and Pray and live by his commandments.If one does , when he passes from this life he is rewarded by going to Heaven. The afterlife where there are streets of Gold and It is so Beautiful and Peaceful that we cannot imagine. Our bodies will be made new, and there is no unhappiness.
I have read many books of the Bible. But I do not study it like I should. But I do know anytime I have had a life issue, I can go to the Bible and learn new things ever time.
I have been in The Catholic Church many times. Its a beautiful religion, and not tooo much different from other religions. I dont practice Catholicism, but my mom in law was raised Catholic and has taught me some about it. I cant speak of other religions,because These are all I know, but I am interested in learning more also. I am not familiar with Mormonism,I only have heard they have more than one wife, is that true?

Answer 8

I understand from your statements about the troubles when others force upon you. I feel that freedom is the first thing in religion and that is the first step towards God. No one can look down upon anyone. If any one turns against you in future "Forgive them for they know not what they do".

But in terms of God, I just share my opinion. It is upto you. Which God do you not believe in? Is it the God who sits in heaven, commanding people, making us sinners and then reviving them and taking account of our actions in a notebook and evaluating them to punish/reward later.

If that is the case, there are two non-believers now. Come on, these are childish stories, to introduce Godhood and discipline to children. It may have its importance but we have to Grow UP.

In Hinduism and I think in most religions, God is one who is the primordial cause. Without him we and the creation could not be.
Scientifically, If we say that this creation has happened, then for any creation to happen, there should be material cause and an intelligent cause.

Inert things cannot create. A stone cannot create anything, but a human can. Similarly you cannot create anything from nothing. If this varied creation is accepted, then the creation has started from a cause which is both material and intelligent. That cause should exist by itself (for if it is also a creation, then the logic applies). This does not violate science. A thing which is both intelligent and ever-existent is one from which creation should have ebbed out. This is the only scientific presuppositon and not an assumption.

That prime thing is called God in general Religion, Truth in Philosophy and through different names in different religions.

Wished to be short but already long. So not getting into the details of why worshipping that God and other related questions. This is my perception and wished to share with you.

Answer 9

Hi!

Religions have no place in today's world; they were created when we didn't know much about the universe. Now they're holding us back.

Many people will tell you your religion was wrong and theirs is right; they're all wrong.

Please read "The God Delusion". Email or IM me if you want it or have any questions. I'm pretty sure after reading it you'll want nothing to do with any religion whatsoever.

But Utah's lovely, and Orson Scott Card is cool.

And if you simply must have some religion, at least with buddhism you won't be hurting anybody else.

Answer 10

Dude, live life according to your morals. You are good no matter what happens. Follow the laws and hurt as many few people as you can. There is not a god that exists that has the amount of justice that the religious people of this small world try to convince you of. He is a million times more just and a million times more understanding. If you must use Jesus (or Muhammed or Moses or Buddha) as your symbol but understand that there are 10 to the 52 power stars out there with people fighting over the crap we are with different names and god screaming at us all to stop it but we can't hear him over our own bombs. Religion is an idea that can change the world for the better or worse. In our case the worse, but just be a good person. That will improve the now. That is my philosophy. GOD (whoever he is) bless everyone.