Having no religion?

Question

I have no interest in being under religious dogma. I think it's not for me. It's hard for me because many peopel in the Black and Hispanic community are religious and God-fearing and it's hard for me to make friends with other Black kids because I have a different set of beliefs. ANd my family is very religious and it seems that they don't =understand me. I feel so alone. Should I join or religion or not ?

Answer 1

what a wonderful question.
i was christened and confirmed at 12 but later decided i did not believe in god and proceeded to have little respect for the god-fearers, as their fear is based on blind faith which in my opinion is a dangerous thing, the cause of many wars.

i am now 30 and have started to look into religion, not because i want to become religious (but if i stumble upon a religion that i think is for me i will look more into it) and they are basically all the same...

my opinion is, "enlightened" people (who have become enlightened for various reasons, years of buddhist/hindu etc meditation/ near death experiences etc etc) have no need for the things that make humankind bad (materialism/greed/envy etc) they are very mellow and compassionate people who just want to share their experience and make the world a better place.

in order to do this...in history they have devised the religions as a way of helping the un-enlightened ones, these religions basically lay down the laws for a good life, and give the un-enlightened people something to believe in...(or fear, as this beleif has warped over the years)

and here we are..

religion is a great way of controlling a large number of people (in theory!) has the best of intentions but it backfires so often

your spiritual journey should be a personal one, if you are true to yourself you cannot go wrong

Answer 2

Nope...

Good job not being a Hypocrite! Don't join anything out of peer pressure.

However, God does exist. So I would suggest getting serious about seeking Him. Not what people think Him to be, or say. Find out who God is for yourself. Eternity is an awful long time. We spend years saving for retirement, and most people are only retired a few years before they die. How much time do people really spend seeking the truth about eternity and what happens after death?

There can be only one truth. Find that truth for yourself just as other many Christians have in the past. And once you embrace it, you will not be under a religious dogma. You will be a new creation in Christ.

Answer 3

You don't join a religion for the sake of joining. The word "religion" represents a system of beliefs.

You first look for God in life and believe in Him (gender neutral). Then you read about prophets of the past with the message "There is no God but God" Noah, Moses, Abraham, Jesus.

Then read the Qur'an with an open mind (the true monotheistic religion). Islam is growing exponentially in the Hispanic and African community. They have a better understanding of the religion than your stereotypical white person.

May Allah help you on the right path.

Answer 4

okay, you may not understand this, but....

Christianity isn't meant to be religious.

If you notice, Jesus did what He was required to do, not what made Him seem popular or holy before the religious people. Really, as a Christian, all that is required is that you follow Christ's commandments (the two mentioned in the verse below) and do for yourself the 2 ceremonies Jesus instructed (baptism and communion). These lead you into a relationship with Christ, which is what God wants. But as for things like wearing a cross, having a bumper sticker, being religious to be recognized....those aren't neccessary (doing godly things for recognition is generally discouraged).

so should you join a religion? yes, as the world sees it, but no, as God sees it.

Answer 5

I recently became a Christian at the age of 40. I wish I would have earlier. I don't "fear" God, I feel a sense of love, belonging, and that there's hope for me. It's helping me to realize I'm a good person, that God has big plans in store, that today's problems are just ways (tests) to prepare me for bigger things. I used to be so negative and always wanting a pity-party, but this attitude is changing. I am very grateful for my life now, problems and all.
It's funny ---- I just posted a question about receiving a sign today that reinforced my faith on a day that I was wavering.

Answer 6

joining a religion for social reasons isnt the answer, because you could join, then find a bunch of stuff you dont agree with. if you choose to join a religion do it for YOU! and no one else. look into religions if you want. read books, internet stuff, whatever you can get your hands on. if you find something that stands out to you, focus on that. it may sound like a lot to handle, but you will learn so much about yourself in the process. but once again, joining religions for social reasons is not the answer, join a religion because YOU! want to.

Answer 7

A "living relationship with Jesus" won't do squat for you. I can understand what you're saying and what christians often won't acknowledge or don't realize is that for some the community aspect of a church is far more important than the religious aspect.

In many towns and cities, it is hard to find non-religious communities. It might be easier to find a church that accepts you without delving too deeply into your beliefs. It's not that hard to pass as a christian while still believing for yourself.

Would it be more noble to stand up for your own beliefs? Some would say so. But noble doesn't get you a date on Friday night. If you can find a community that accepts you for what you are, great. If you can't, I wouldn't blame you for joining a church.

All I would ask is that you remember what you really believe. Say their words, make their motions, but don't let them force you to change on the inside. You can always come to R&S to get recharged.

Good luck.

Answer 8

You have to face yourself, not just all people have a religion, you would like to go with the flow without being truthfully confident that this religion is the true and meaningful religion to you try to knowledge yourself about Islam, you will find that Islam is the only one religion that will answer all your questions. May Allah guide you.

go to
www.Islamalways.com

Answer 9

plenty of people join a religion or church for social reasons.

before the 19th century religion was very much apart of social society and not seen as separate.

you do not have to buy the dogma that no one can force you to do.

Answer 10

If you have no need for a religion and it doesn't work with your personal beliefs - why get one? I don't think you should join any religion unless you truly believe and are getting spiritual growth from it.