Isn’t this a false dichotomy? A religion is a system of beliefs. What if you pursue a spiritual life, but not by any set of beliefs?
2007-10-19 07:59:10 · 28 answers · asked by bregweidd 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You are so correct.
THAT IS NOT TRUE!!!!
I am not an atheist and I hate organized religion.
2007-10-19 08:08:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think those are the only choices. In the end you have to decide what you believe and follow that. I know what I believe to be true and what my religion teaches. I agree with pretty much all of what my religion teaches, so that's how I identify myself. I do, however, work on my personal relationship with God and follow what I believe even if it differs from the majority belief. If that's what you mean by a spiritual life and not a set of beliefs, then I agree, if you mean something different, then I didn't understand the question.
2007-10-19 15:06:58 · answer #2 · answered by bainaashanti 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all boils down to a matter of how you label it. A Religion is a set beliefs in some greater force/guidance that translates into rituals and dogmatic practices. Secularism, Nationalism, and other similar types of movements serve the same purpose for many people. So the question is, do you want to be a Secularist, Chrisitian, Agnostic, Sikh, whatever you are, you are still following some form of religion.
2007-10-19 15:14:51 · answer #3 · answered by Jacob W 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If God exists,and being the creator of everything including you , the others, and the universe; this means that God is at an equal distance from all his creations and thus , you are entitled to treat with him the way you like, even not believe in him , because even your denial means that you are using the reasoning gift that was given to you by something, since you do not believe in God. And do not be afraid of going to hell, on the contrary ,if you say I believe , while inside you do not ,then you may be punished for lying.So , be atheist ,or create the religion that satisfies your IQ ,but do not preach it to anybody ,for there is no you but you.
2007-10-19 15:24:44 · answer #4 · answered by fayssal1932 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
But Atheism is a system of beliefs.
It is the belief, and assertion, that the quantity of dieties in the universe is zero.
If you pursue a spiritual life, you at least believe there is such a thing as a spirit... hence you have a set of at least one belief.
If you define religion as a set of rules (as many Christians do), then you can dismiss following a set of rules in favour of pursuing a relationship with the Creator.
I'd rather have a relationship with Christ than follow man-made rules.
2007-10-19 15:09:51 · answer #5 · answered by David F 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I believe that, if a person has a need for a spiritual life, and sense of mysticism they do not need to follow a "set". of beliefs. Belief is something between the heart of man and the mind of God.. Not for other men to judge.
2007-10-19 15:06:24 · answer #6 · answered by PROBLEM 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You've got it right. As there are atheistic religions, the dichotomy is false to start with. Buddhism is an atheistic religion. Thee are churches of humanism as well.
Atheism does not necessitate the absence of a religion, it only suggests that there is no god.
2007-10-19 15:10:52 · answer #7 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Of course. There are many spiritual systems of belief that do not include a deity or the need for the supernatural.
2007-10-19 15:06:47 · answer #8 · answered by Dalarus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Deist if you follow that spiritual life by believing in deities. Most likely a Buddhist or agnostic otherwise.
2007-10-19 15:06:54 · answer #9 · answered by Jett 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddhism
2007-10-19 15:07:56 · answer #10 · answered by Freethinking Liberal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of our biggest problems is that we are constantly trying to fit in somewhere, that’s inevitable I guess, human nature and all that. But oh my god its so time consuming and pointless. I’m really trying to be happy with who I am and pigeon holding myself doesn’t seem to be improving my quest.
My point is, if you believe in the holy trinity your catholic. If you believe Mohammed was the last prophet your Islamic. If you think it’s ok to get divorce, your Church of England. If you believe in numerous Gods, your Hindu. And if like me you’re sitting on the fence (best place to be with all these snakes on the ground) then your Agnostic. Not sure it really matters seeing as we are all F’ed
2007-10-20 07:45:49 · answer #11 · answered by kosslyn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋