What religion or belief are you friends and family? How do you find agreement with them?

Answer 1

They're all types - from very conservative Christians, Jews and Muslims to pagans, agnostics, atheists.

My Asian side of the family tends to be Buddhist. My European American side is mostly Quaker. My indigenous American side I know very little about.

I don't have problems in ideology with any of them. Those who are able to discuss philsophies in a non-hostile manner hold many debates at length. Those who tend to get hot under the collar focus on other things other than religion when we get together. The key thing is that we don't criticize one another or make judgements about our choices. You know, we act like grown-ups. :)

Answer 2

Back in 1930, my uncle married a woman of a faith not approved of by my grandmother. The bitterness of that intolerance tore the families apart to this very day!

My parents, on the other hand, stressed TOLERANCE, particularly religous tolerance as a fundamental family value. They also made sure we understood we were free agents to accept any religon (or no religon) we wanted as we believe it is each soul's devine right to do so.

I am a new ager type Christian and include various elements from all religons, without conflict in my life.

By best friend, by conincidence are catholic, as we disagree on almost everything. But it isn't an issue, except for the occassional stupid arguement we get into where we overtalk eachother and laugh about it.

I believe, as Christ instructed, that the 'church' exists to help each individual on it's souls progression. But it is the individual's growth, not the religon, that is important. Church, scripture, dogma are 'tools' that we are free to use or reject as our own spiritual needs dictate.

So, I really don't have a conflict with any religous people unless they get pushy and condeming and in my face about their beliefs.

Answer 3

My family are suburban, Church on Sunday good Republican Catholics.

Although I do not dismiss Catholocism (I "believe" in Jesus and all that--probably a lot more thoroughly than my family does), I have followed a Hindu spiritual philosophy called Advaita Vedanta for about 30 years. In the context of being an advaitin (a nondualist) and a Vedantist, I also have studied and/or practiced Kashmir Shaivism, various forms of yoga, forms of Buddhism, western neopaganism, and western occultism. I am currently studying and practicing western occultism and esoteric Christianity.

My family always thought I was very "weird" but my parents now think I am the most normal and understanding of all my other siblings. When they need emotional support, they rely on me. Although they don't wholly understand my beliefs or my interests, they respect them. They also know that I know A LOT more about their religion than they do. Also, time has shown that they need not be afraid about my welfare or my mindstate. At this point in my life, I am probably a lot saner than most people who are behind the wheel of a car.

Answer 4

I grew up in a very devote Catholic society. My entire family (28 cousins + aunts, uncles, etc) is Catholic. I went to Catholic schools in grade and highschool. Yet I left the faith.

When I did so, several relatives that I'd grown up seeing a few times a week got angry and make rude remarks now when I see them. Several of my friends were intent on "saving" me and wouldn't back down. I finally had to tell them to back off, and they left me then and I never hear from them.

As for the rest of them: for the most part, they're very accepting. My parents defend me when those certain relatives cross the line. My true friends stay by my side. We've found it easier not to talk about religion with one another, as it can unintentionally lead to arguments. ^^; Strong wills, we all have.

Answer 5

I have a great hodgepodge family.
Dad=Catholic that goes to a Methodist Church
Mom=Deist Buddhist
Sister= Pagan (searching for her path)
Her husband and I=Heathen Reconstructionist (Pagan)
My husband=Atheist
We just don't "care" what the other believe. We start our holidays in Dec on the 21st and run it through the 2nd of Jan. We celebrate Christmas AND yule. My husband lets me go nuts because he thinks its fun, not for the faith behind it. We have cool philosophy debates over dinner because we LISTEN to each other's point of view and respect it. My family is actually REALLY close. Blood is thicker then religion at my house.

Answer 6

No, there is no one I know that believes the way I do. I'm not religious, I'm spiritual. Not affiliated with any religion. I don't discuss spirituality with anyone but my husband and the great folks here on R&S.

There's no reason for me to upset my religious family. I find agreement by not talking about it with them.

Answer 7

My family is muslim and my friends are christians. Really I am in good love and agreement with all.

Answer 8

Over 90% of the people I have relationships with are either atheist, non-religious or Pagan, so I don't find a lot of problems.

Answer 9

My dad is a non practising Buddhist.
My mum is now Atheist to God but she
does read books on spiritual matters.
All three of my brothers are Atheist, and
I'm Atheist.
So there is no conflict with us.

Answer 10

I am a gnostic, one sister and brother are Mormon, one brother is Baptist, one sister free thinker. We get along quite well because we RESPECT the rights of the others to think freely and find their own spiritual level in life.