Is it possible to believe in a higher force but not be religious?

Question

I consider myself to be agnostic. I do believe that there is the possiblity of a higher being, or force or whatever, but I find it unnecessary to follow any religion. As a matter of fact, religion annoys me. What do you think?

Answer 1

The dictionary says an agnostic is:

"a person who holds that the existence of the ultimate cause, as God, and the essential nature of things are unknown and unknowable, or that human knowledge is limited to experience. "

I think you would be better off however referring to yourself as a "weak atheist" because to religious people "agnostic" means that they just need to work a slight bit harder and you will be their puppet. To atheists "agnostic" means someone who is sitting on the fence and can't make up their mind what they believe. Weak atheism would be a better association, because at least it seems to have a more stable grounding, and it means almost the same thing per Wikipedia:

"Strong atheism is a term generally used to describe atheists who accept as true the proposition, "gods do not exist". Weak atheism refers to any type of non-theism which falls short of this standard. Because of flexibility in the term "god", it is understood that a person could be a strong atheist in terms of certain portrayals of gods, while remaining a weak atheist in terms of others."

In summary, if you don't believe in God or religion at all- at least not until it is proven to you otherwise: I would go with weak atheism. If you really really just don't know what you believe at all and just don't care to think about it, then I would go with agnostic.

Answer 2

The definition of religious= "relating to belief in religion, or following the practices of a religion; believing in and showing devotion to a deity or deities." I personally don't think you have to join a particular Religion or church to have a belief in a Higher Force. I think there is a difference between being spiritual and being religious. Definition of Spiritual="showing great refinement and concern with the higher things in life; relating to the soul or spirit." Sometimes the rules, strict adherence to doctrine, dogma, and intolerance of some religions can be annoying. Also, religions can seem confining sometimes, in terms of spirituality. But that doesn't apply to all religions or to all churches.

Answer 3

A lot of people feel that religion is something that just doesn't work for them. Some people take religion waaayyy too far. It's more practical to think of higher powers in terms of, well, higher powers rather than certain gods or icons because gods and icons usually have practices and long histories that twist belief into a story. Relax and enjoy your faith or the lack there of.

Answer 4

As the 38th answer to this emotive question, I doubt I'll get any thumbs up or best answer but here goes...

Religion and religious people annoy me. I asked a question about why people should "fear" God. I got a barrage of abuse, infact it's still coming! One "God fearing soul" even spat at me "I'll have the last laugh when you're burning in hell"...well, if heaven is full of aggressive, gloating bitches like that, I'd much rather not be there. It seems religion if so0 full of contradictions and "get out of jail free" cards that anyone can claim to be going to paradise...even George Bush, the ex-coke head mascarades as a "good" Evangelist...(if that's not a contradiction in terms, I don't know what is!)
Religion is an out dated way to control the masses, to deal with death and sometimes (you'll know who I mean) to supress women.

Every war ever recorded in human history has been due to religion. Religious people can't just accept that some people aren't that insecure, instead they take it up on themselves to force their views on people...and the Muslim extremists go one step further and kill "infadels"...like it's their place to force religion on others.

The world would be a better place with out organised religion.

Answer 5

Absolutely it's possible. A lot of people who fall into that catagory would call themselves "spiritualists." There was even an online dating site at one time that had a catagory for this: "Spiritual but not religious." Technically, however, you'd be calling yourself a Deist. This is one who believes in a God or Divine Being, but rejects established religions.

I really find that I have much more respect for someone who comes to their own conclusion than I do for someone who blindly embraces a self-contradictory religion just because that's what their parents passed down to them.

Answer 6

Higher force = Religious

Sorry, I wish there were a different word for you to use..... Definition of Religious:

Main Entry: 1re·li·gious
Pronunciation: ri-'li-j&s
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French religius, from Latin religiosus, from religio
1 : relating to or manifesting faithful devotion to an acknowledged ultimate reality or deity
2 : of, relating to, or devoted to religious beliefs or observances
3 a : scrupulously and conscientiously faithful b : FERVENT, ZEALOUS
- re·li·gious·ly adverb
- re·li·gious·ness noun

From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Answer 7

Religion set by unscrupulous men annoys me too because of Hypocrisy and false teachings and the desire for the so called leaders of such religions who want to control and dominate and get fame and adoration. So That is not real religion. Real religion are the laws of Karma set by God and maintained under him by His superintendents. He makes the laws to protect everyone. So it is now His fault that people have made Him into a terrible person He is the most merciful and loving, Supreme person.(also known as Krishna Allah, Jehovah, Vishnu, etc.) One must understand Karma, Reincarnation, and no one goes to hell eternally to understand the unlimited mercy and love of God. Don't believe false teachings but keep seeking the Absolute Truth. It is Universal and beyond all religious designation. Read Bhagavad Gitga as it is BY BHaktivedanta Prabhupada tells all. Read On line asitis.com I love it. Thanks.

Answer 8

Yes, I definately think so. Religious often means "in a group of like-minded thinkers". Just switch the word to "Spiritual",
and be on your solitary path as a spiritual warrior, which means, you'll respect life, seek to do harm to no one, practice peace, make friends and influence people. You don't need the Dale Carnegie course. And remember the power of "your word."...."my word is my bond" you've heard that. It's a big deal to seek and TELL the truth. As soon as it comes out of your mouth, even your mind, thought/language takes on a life of its own. Your speaking gives thoughts physical form and possibility. Keeping things like this in mind will help you grow spiritually..and keep you connected to a higher power, which totally exists dude...pay attention..you'll
witness it, and miracles, eveywhere. Reserve the word "religious" for the fanatics...it's their word.

Answer 9

Religion and Spirituality are 2 different things. Religion masquerades as being spiritual. "Religion" is a dogmatized, structured, this-way-or-no-way form of controlling sheeple. Where's the spirituality in that. Follow your heart and soul, and don't be afraid to question.

Answer 10

Ya... quantum mechanics

it takes some great leaps of faith to grasp a lot of quantum theory, without being educated fully in the mathematics.
But not as much faith as the whole god in the sky thing, 'cause most of the quantum theories can be expressed in reproducable experiments or models.

i consider myself agnostic as well and frown upon most organized religion's impact on humanity.