Is anyone up for a challenge?

Question

I have this idea. For one 24-hour period, I will pick a religion and pretend to be a follower of that religion, just to see what it feels like. I'll pretend to believe in that other religion and try to imagine how life looks different from that perspective. I will do it respectfully, of course, as a way to come to a deeper appreciation and understanding of the other religion.

Which religion should I choose?
Would you like to join me? What religion will you choose?

Of course, I realize, that for some, this experiment would go against your religion, and cannot therefore participate. That's fine. This is just for those for whom it would not go against your principles.

Yes, you all are right. I myself would actually do it for more than 24 hours. But I didn't think anyone else would be willing to do it longer than that!

I was Christian for 16 or 17 years, believed in and practiced Judaism for 10 years. I'm Hindu.

So..........I'll pick Buddhism!

Answer 1

I think it's a great idea. Wish you luck :) I can't take the challenge, because it would go directly against the principles of my faith.

Answer 2

NO I AM NOT INTERESTED EVEN FOR PRETENDING AS FOLLOWER OF SOME OTHER RELIGION, because my Religion HINDUISM is the super most and I am in the process of learning more and more. What ever I have learned here I am sure no other religion will offer me and I will not be satisfied by pretending. My Religion does not lack anything and is teaching whatever essential for human life and the world. Our Lord Krishna's Bhagwat Gita itself is sufficiant and it contains everything. Reaserches on Gita is going of every day new interpretations and morals are found from Gita. What else anyone would require more than this?

I am extremal sorry some from other religions may be unhappy with me for the above statement but I have to tell my impressions on this matter. Best of luck to all others in other Religion.-

Answer 3

I believe you've already shown disrespect for others by assuming you can learn through pretense. By all means take the time to learn what motivates other religions or and cultures but leave the condescending, "Let's Pretend", out of it,

Referring to Buddhism shows you've got a lot to learn. Since days in a Preparatory Seminary I have inquired and tried to appreciate, understand and digest dogma of many beliefs.

My awakening to the process came about through the acquaintance of a young, very well educated but unassuming Indian couple. Observing their book shelves I noticed one called, "Christianity and other Western Mythology". I was shocked at the concept and their acceptance of it. As I had developed an understanding and acceptance of different cultural insights my reaction was only to discuss the title.

Belief systems for most people would be established without heir knowledge, 'at their mothers knee.' Learning another requires open dialog and flexibility most of us don't have time for.

Your efforts would be better spent to enlighten people to the concepts of your own religion. Most Christians are dismayed at the oddity and number of Hindu Deities. But when you understand they only represent Human Characteristics that the devotee wants to emulate or overcome it has a different value.

I associate with Buddhism because it recognizes and values spiritualism and forgiveness. True Islam is the only religious doctrine I would describe as 'Beautiful' but as it doesn't have a means of qualifying spiritual leaders, it's been corrupted by a few with questionable motives.

Your intent is commendable and I hope your efforts have meaningful results. It might be prudent to approach cultural understanding first. That's when you realize and accept something you hold as truth may be in conflict with an others truths and you're both right.

Religion and belief systems are a source of order and understanding. Their value is in the life of their proponents not their compliance with ours.

Answer 4

That will make you more empathetic witch is a good thing, but most religions will in some way or another eventual let you down! People are not perfect, if you chose Christianity you will find ministers that are gay, if you chose to be a Catholic you will find child molesters, if you chose Pentecostal you will find people that hold piousness snakes, and the list goes on and on and on. God is a great thing to believe in if you want to call what is out there god, but a rose is a rose if you call it by any other name, and I am pretty sure that the same concept applies!

Answer 5

Hmm, I'd be happy to join you so long as the religion is something reasonably exotic to me such that I haven't examined the thought process a thousand times over already.... Selecting randomly from my options, I'm thinking of going for Reform Judaism at the moment... I don't think I could hold the vomit back an entire day if I went fundie (no offense).

Answer 6

Krishna Consciousness is nonsectarian it accepts the truth of all religious principals and teaches the top most worship of Love of God. I was brought up Christian and Studied many other Religions, but nothing gave as much information about God (Krishna) as this. If we want to love God we would want to know everything about Him. The Bhagavad Gita (Song of God) and Srimad Bhagavatam and so many other sublime teachings about Krishna give so many satisfying details about God and His Unlimited pastimes, and description of His original form as well of His many expansions. It even describes in detail what He likes to eat, how He likes to enjoy.It most importantly describes His femanine Counterpart (Radha, or Hare and Laksmi, as well as his material expansion as Maya (the illusory energy) also known as Durgha or Uma etc. It would take me all week and more to writee the details. Krishna is the source of all of His incarnations including Vishnu. The differance is His worship is beyond the God conception. He wants to be loved as a child or friend or lover not as His position as God. So Krishna is God at home and Vishnu and His other expansions are God at the office says Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada. Any way my favorite aspect is we can use all of our propensities and what ever we have to serve the Diving Couple with Love and devotion. Mainly He likes us to chant or say His name. That pleases Him the most. I hope you try this deeply wonderful process which is also the goal. So we practice what we actually do in the eternal spiritual abode. Hare Krishna! Thank you for connecting with me.

Answer 7

Who has made the religion? Yes it is man made and who has made the man? Ofcourse it is god. God is supreme and we must love human life more than religion. This world shall become a lovely place to live if it is not divided by the religion. We must work on human values than religion.

Answer 8

Beltaine is coming up - might be a good 24 period to experience Wicca ;-)

Wow, look at all the answers that say 'you wouldn't learn so dont even try' - that attitude is like cement boots on a mob informant.

Answer 9

Namaste,
I'd like to join you but I've pretty much have run the gamut of religions, except for Islam and Judaism, only because with those two you HAVE to convert before you can consider yourself an adherent.
And like yourself, I am now happily a Hindu! :-)
Have fun!!

Answer 10

When you get around to Christianity try this on for size. Jesus said that true religion is taking care of widows and orphens who had no protections in that time. My interpretation is that true religion is taking care of those who cannot take care of themselves. I think Americans do pretty well with that compared to other nations.

Answer 11

Hmmm, I suggest you try other Pagan religions first, like Astruar, because it might be easier for you to relate and also you know, small steps frist.

As for me, well Atheism looks good, althought it's not really a religion :P but my best bet is agnostics.