what religion should I be?

Question

I believe in the power and energy in the universe, that life exists as a result of molecular processes, but do not know if this was through any intelegence other than coincidence or inevitability. I don't really like singing in public, but would be willing to have a statue or some sort of thing to focus on, I like candles. I am open minded but am skeptical, what religion would you suggest?

Answer 1

Well dear, based on your beliefs about the universe, you sound like you'd fit into the "Science" and "Philosophy" religions nicely ;)

You can be spiritual without being religious. You'd be termed an agnostic. For example, I am quite open to many different possibilities, perhaps even an afterlife, and I generally enjoy the idea of an unifying energy, certain psychic phenomenon, the possibility of alien life, karma and so forth. I'm skeptical, but I refuse to limit myself to only what we have currently discovered. There is a lot of magic and mystery in the world which we may or may not understand one day. Death is the biggest mystery of all.

So, light up some candles and incense, snuggle up in a warm bed and pick up philosophy books, books on religion, theories of science, origins of the universe, etc. Participate in religion information sessions if you wish (such as going to church, visiting a Buddhist temple). Educate yourself, and as you grow and experience life make your own decision about what to believe.

Listen to those who say listen to your heart. It is important to feel right with yourself.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The best way to find your true path is to study and become involved with various religions. I would not reccomend study alone because you can only find the true essence of any spiritual path by participating in it.

One good way to determine what religion is best for you is to ask one question: Do I want to be involved in a passive practice or do I want to be an active practicioner?

Judeo-Christian-Islamic practice usually centers around a holy leader of some sort and the participants are passive listeners to the rules and dogma of the specific ideologies set forth by this leader who ideally gets his/her ideas from a holy book. Very rarely are the practicinors a part of the ritual/sermon themselves but are expected to listen dutifully and then carry the messages they are given to the outside world. There is much focus on what is bad about the world and humans in general and a lot of energy expended on sin and redemption in one form or another. Skepticism about these rules and dogma is not generally encouraged although some individual sects may be more open to other ideas, cultures and religions than others. It pays to "shop around."

Hinduism and Buddhism are both ecology minded and believe that nature is a manifestation of the divine. Hinduism itself is one of the oldest religions. They are both believers in reincarnation and the afterlife but while Hinduism focuses on living a good life so that one can be reincarnated in a better form/life next time around, Buddhism focuses on this lifetime and believes that the practicioner needs to learn detachment in order to disengage from the cycle of birth and death thereby becoming enlightened and reaching the higest state of nirvana. In both religions, spiritual attainment is the responcibility of each individual person and although there are spiritual masters that can help each person must chose his/her own path.

Another nature orientated religion is Paganism. Paganism is very eclectic and there are as many different variants as there are cultures that have practiced it. Every culture has had pagan roots since the dawn of time and paganism has adapted and grown within the environment it has florished in. Generally speaking, Paganism is a religion that believes that all life was generated and sustained by a great mother called the Goddess. She is called by many different names but in all of her guises she is the perpetuator of the turning of the wheel, the source of sustainence and love. Pagan practice centers around the cycles of nature and great importance is placed upon reading signs in the changing seasons. Practicioners are motivated to follow their own path but are encouraged to learn about other spiritualities. There can be spiirual leaders but everyone is expected to actively participate and more often then not different people take on different roles.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

A pagan religion. There are many...pick one. And you don't have to sing in public...they are very open minded people, yet willing to help you with whatever you are feeling skeptical about...and not to mention if you practice solitarily, there are many candles involved...if you so choose. Good luck on your religion hunt, and Goddess Bless!

Answer 4

Avoid all man invented "religion"... if you are not being called by God or if you are and you are rejecting Him... then you need not be concerned right now. Just live your life with as much compasion for others as you can and be the best person, by the standards of the society you live in, as you can be.... if you ever do hear God's call and wish to respond He will tell you The Way.

All who come to God in The Way He prescribes will receive His free gift of salvation and will become part of The Church of which Jesus The Christ is The Head. Those are the ones of The True Christian Faith. Only those of The Church will enter Heaven.

If you have any questions concerning the basics of The True Christian Faith you may email me. One honest question will receive one honest answer to the best of my ability.

Answer 5

You could be a Wiccan, but you really haven't given enough information for me to tell. ;-) I consider myself both open minded and skeptical, and have found Wicca a good fit for me personally.

You might find the Belief-O-Matic quiz over at Beliefnet.com helpful:

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_7665_1.html

It's fun, and it matches you up with a wide variety of religions and philosophies based on your answers, with write-ups for each one. The results can be very surprising.

Answer 6

Let me tell you this. You can light all the candles in the world,stand and sing praises to a statue,but it will be worthless. There is only one God and his name is Jesus Christ. Religion want get you to heaven when you die, Only believing that Jesus Christ is the son of God,that he died for your sins and rose again. And that he lives today. If you ask him to come into your heart you will be saved. That the only religion you need.

Answer 7

You sound like you are Agnostic. I should know because I am Agnostic as well. Anyway you should check into many different religions as possible and pick the one that best suits your needs and beliefs and values and morals. Here'a a good site to test yourself as well.


http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_7665_1.html

Answer 8

i would suggest you first pray to the Holy Spirit to guide you and start visiting churches. You will know where you belong, it will feel right when you walk through the doors.
As to suggest a religion, go with what feels right to you.
Blessings!
Good Lucky in your search!

Answer 9

well thats a pretty tough question for someone else to answer. its your decision, after all. you should just think about it carefully, examine all your beliefs, and then choose a religion you fell is right for you. there is no wrong religion, so you really cant go wrong. also, you dont have to be strictly one religioned. there are plenty of people who believe many things from different religions. just think about it yourself. only you can answer that.

Answer 10

You are ripe for any of them except Islam, or conservative Protestantism, since they don't have any statues. Try a Universalist church, seriously. They are usually very kind and intelligent people.