how do i start practicing a religion? what are the first steps?

Question

i was interested in kaballah (the mystical one practiced by all the celebs) and buddhism.

Answer 1

First, study, study, study. Learn all you can until you find the practice that you're certain is right for you. Then study some more about that specific practice, and get to know a community of practitioners. Once you narrow your search, it is just extremely important to be careful, cautious and wise in selecting a teacher and/or a group to become part of.

Then, of course, you'll find plenty of people here on R&S who will help you along he way. You'll have to put up with all the wise-acres that will interject, but that's ok.

If you're interested in Buddhism, a couple of books here and a couple of URL's below. Especially recommend some of the "beginners" podcasts on Urban Dharma

The Accidental Buddhist by Dinty Moore
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buddhism by Gary Gach
Kindness, Clarity & Insight by The Dala Lama

Answer 2

I would say, start doing research on whatever religion you were thinking about, and see if there are any groups in your area which you can go to for help. If you can't find any groups, look online. Don't trust everything you find online, because not all of it will be good information, but its a good way to start.

Good luck, and decide carefully. The Goddess says that what you seek you can only find within yourself, so find a religion that matches with what you already know and feel inside. Besides, If you look at reality, your reality only exists in your own mind, so if you feel something to be true, how can anyone tell you that you are wrong? Do some self searching, and find a religion that calls out to you.

Good luck, and Blessed Be on your path!

Answer 3

You don't need any money at all, that will come later when you have a revelation about your followers donating. First off, and this is absolutely important. Find people who are gullible, it will not work with anything else, you need gullible people. Secondly, fake a miracle to these people. This will convince them you are divine. From there claim to have visions from whatever deity you want. From then on in, have fun. More will join your little religion/cult and you should be good to go.

Answer 4

To believe in anything you have to really be drawn to it in your heart, mind and body. So why limit your choice to these two?
If it's only a superficial 'I'm a buddhist or kabbalist' approach why bother? I came to buddhism knowing that 99% of it is very hard work, much self practice and I don't actually ever tell most people what I believe. First step: buy a book on one or the other and start reading.

Answer 5

Practice a religion? Anything like learning how to drive or dance or juggle? I'm sorry. I don't mean to be sarcastic.

And I don't believe in religion. Nothing has screwed this world up more than man's pursuit of religion.

I seek to have a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe. For me, that's the God of the bible.

Anything less, is like learning to practice what I mentioned earlier. If you want to understand the God of the bible, it does not take practice. It takes faith beginning with a sincere prayer asking for direction.

I urge you to try it if you seek to understand the secrets of the universe.

Answer 6

Start by applying for tax exempt status. Get some parishiners, and fleece them for all they are worth. You're saved!

In seriousness though, if you want to get into Buddhism, find yourself a good zendo, and start practicing meditation. Read a book (or a few preferably). You need a teacher, that's just how it works. Find one, google's a wonderful tool.

Answer 7

The first step to any religious experience is education. Speak with elders in that faith, practitioners, converts and ESPECIALLY those who have left that faith. Figure out why people move toward it, and why they move away and you will get a more rounded view of the faith as a whole.

Answer 8

It all starts in your heart. You first must acknowledge that you are a sinner. You have rebelled against God. We all have, so don't feel bad...lol

This sin problem we all have, separates us from God. Because He is Holy, He can not be in the presence of sin.

But He has given us a way out of this problem.

For the Just payment of your sin, God requires a Death.
Really, its you who should pay for your own sin with your
own "spiritual death" But God sent His Son, to die for you.
To pay that penalty.

God promises., that if you believe He did in Fact send His
Son to die for you , he will credit His Son's death , on your account.

You then will no longer responsible to serve a penalty for your sin. Jesus did it for you.

The Bible says , If you believe in your heart, and confess with your mouth , that Jesus is Lord., you will be saved.

Saved from what? Separation from God for all eternity.

Once you do this, you are on the road.

I then suggest you find a Bible Believing Church in your area, with people your age, and life will change like you never thought possible.

I'll be praying for you.

Answer 9

I would suggest starting with what religions offer. As far as I know, all religions except one offer the life and beliefs of a man...usually a great spiritual man with great influence, but just a man who lived and died. Christianity offers a Man, too. But this Man was holy and perfect. He overcame death. He forgives. Mainly, He died so He could offer you salvation...He died for you. No other religion offers such a man.

Answer 10

Study all the religions to see which one you like the best and can be faithful to!