Here are my beliefs:
I do not believe that Jesus was the Son of God.
I do strongly believe in God.
I think that Heaven and Hell are a state of mind (technically not real, just whatever we want it to be).
I believe we are reunited with our loved ones when we die and we are eventually reincarnated to live another life.
I think the Bible is just a beautifully written story, nothing more.
I believe we were put on this earth for a special reason, a destiny we were meant to fulfill.
I do not believe that there is a 'Satan' but I do believe in evil spirits, demons, etc.
Any insight would be great. I was raised a Catholic, but my parents raised me to be open-minded so this is just a compliation of a few of my main beliefs.
Thank you!
2007-11-15 16:27:48 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
One of my favorite things to do is studying religions. And having friends that are religiously diverse (and coming from a religious diverse family) definately helps. Between reading, asking questions, going to houses of worship, etc...I've definately had no trouble in learning about various religions. That said, there are few religions, based just on what you've stated above, that you might wish to consider practicing.
1) Hinduism
2) Baha'i
3) Pagan (specifically Wicca...but Kemeticism and Celticism are also possibilities)
4) Unitarian-Universalist
In that order.
Hinduism:
"I do not believe that Jesus was the Son of God."
In the diversity of Hindu beliefs Jesus is often said to either A) be a great guru or B) be just one of many incarnations of God.
"I do strongly believe in God."
Hindus definately believe in God. Depending the denomination Hindus are either Monotheistic or Monistic-Theistic.
"I think that Heaven and Hell are a state of mind (technically not real, just whatever we want it to be). I believe we are reunited with our loved ones when we die and we are eventually reincarnated to live another life."
This is exactly what Hinduism teaches. This is why Hindus try to work on focusing their mind, so that they can be conscious and focus their mind on God at the time of death. It is believed by Hindus that what you think at the time of death is how things turn out for you. So if your mind is focused on God, you go to God. Those who do not focus their mind often have other things they think of and so that is the "heaven" they create between lives. But "heaven" is just temporary, we reincarnate to continue our journey....unless we've reached moksha....complete union with God.
"I think the Bible is just a beautifully written story, nothing more."
Hindus view all sacred texts from all traditions as reflecting different perspectives on God......that is to say it shows the many different angles of how different people came to experience God. A Hindu is free to read any sacred text for spiritual growth: Bible, Koran, Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Guru Granth Sahib, Jain Sutras, Dhammapada, Tao Te Ching, etc.
"I believe we were put on this earth for a special reason, a destiny we were meant to fulfill."
Hindus believe that not only are we here to move forward spiritually and to get rid of old karma, but that we are here to fulfill specific purposes. Whether that is just to be a parent or it is just to be a priest or monk, etc that is something the individual discovers for themself. In Hinduism there are 5 things that are seen as essential for a Hindu to do to fulfill their Dharma 1) honor God 2) honor parents and teachers 3) honor ancestors and guests 4) honor humanity 5) honor all living beings and the enviroment and universe in which they co-exist with you. There are four goals in life 1) Dharma 2) Artha-wealth 3) Kama-pleasure/enjoyment 4) Moksha - union with God. It is assumed that wealth (not just financial wealth, but emotional, etc) and pleasure will be done dharmically...and that by doing so along with spiritual practices one ultimately reaches moksha.
"I do not believe that there is a 'Satan' but I do believe in evil spirits, demons, etc."
While there are some Hindu sects that do believe in evil spirits, they do not believe in a leader, so to speak, like Satan. That said, Hinduism specifically teaches that there is no such thing as evil. That evil is subjective to the viewer. The reference I often hear from swamis is is to think of it this way...that you go to a village with the intention of helping the people. You do what you have come to, believing you have done good. However the villagers experience what you have done and it is seen as bad...or in some cases as evil. Another example is say that you have two groups of people who each experience the same thing. One group decides that it is good another group decides that it is evil. Thus evil is subjective to the individual's experience and their perspective of that experience. In the Hindu stories the demons are metaphors of the things that keep us from moving forward spiritually. The demon in the Ramayana represents our ego and Hanuman represents devotion to God. Rama represents God, Sita, his wife, represents us. In the story it is Hanuman who helps Rama rescue Sita from Ravana, the demon. This symbolizes that it is with the help of devotion that humanity can defeat the Ego and be united with God.
Baha'i:
"I do not believe that Jesus was the Son of God. I do strongly believe in God."
The Baha'i do not say that Jesus was the Son of God, but do place him as a prophet of God along with Krishna and Mohammad...and of course Baha'u'llah.
"I think that Heaven and Hell are a state of mind (technically not real, just whatever we want it to be). I believe we are reunited with our loved ones when we die and we are eventually reincarnated to live another life."
The Baha'i believe that there is a Heaven and last I checked they do not believe that a Hell exists. That when you reach Heaven you are reunited with your loved ones. Not sure if they officially believe in reincarnation, but all the Baha'i I have met and spoke to do believe in it.
"I think the Bible is just a beautifully written story, nothing more."
The Baha'i respect all religious traditions and so reading the Bible or Koran, etc is not frowned upon. They believe you can learn a lot spiritually from the stories they contain.
"I believe we were put on this earth for a special reason, a destiny we were meant to fulfill."
The Baha'i believe this and that their faith also has a destiny to fulfill....to unite humanity in peace.
"I do not believe that there is a 'Satan' but I do believe in evil spirits, demons, etc."
This has never come up with the Baha'i I know so I'm not certain if they believe in Satan or demons. I do know they believe that evil exists in the world.
Paganism:
"I do not believe that Jesus was the Son of God. I do strongly believe in God."
Most Pagans view Jesus as a great teacher. They do believe in God.....though not necessarily as a singular entity. Some Pagans are polytheistic, some are polytheistic but believe that the pantheon all emerge from One, some are similar to Christianity in a triune belief of God. Some specifically think of God as male while others think of God as female and others who think God is both and some who think God is neither...or any combination thereof.
"I think that Heaven and Hell are a state of mind (technically not real, just whatever we want it to be). I believe we are reunited with our loved ones when we die and we are eventually reincarnated to live another life."
Each of the specific paths I listed believe in reincarnation, that you reunited with loved ones and freed from suffering. However, they do not usually say that Heaven is just a state of mind.
"I think the Bible is just a beautifully written story, nothing more."
Most of my Pagan friends say the same thing.
"I believe we were put on this earth for a special reason, a destiny we were meant to fulfill."
I have read and heard Pagans say this, but it is not universally believed. But Paganism is open enough to allow people to have many differing beliefs (much like Hinduism....which, no doubt, is why they are so diverse and misunderstood by people outside of the religions..the main difference tends to be that Hinduism has a developed theology and philosophies whereas Paganism is much more open-ended and individuals can be Indo-Pagan...someone who is polytheistic but philosophically or theologically adopts certain practices from a religion from India: Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism....Christo-Pagan....someone who mixes practices of Paganism and Christianity. And the list goes on and on and on)
"I do not believe that there is a 'Satan' but I do believe in evil spirits, demons, etc."
Every Pagan I know seems to believe this.
Some great websites to learn more about these religions are:
http://www.religioustolerance.org
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion
I recommend these websites because they are very thorough and well written AND correct AND thorough (I have checked them and had friends of the religions check them and these sites passed with A+).
You might also what to consider what your spiritual goals are. Do you want to become enlightened? Be free from all suffering? Be united with God? Get to Heaven and avoid Hell? Unite the world in peace? Be closer to nature? Etc. Sit down and think about what your spiritual goals are, write them down if you want. Then as you explore the many, many religions and spiritual traditions in the world you'll be able to know which ones share your goals.
I didn't make a list for Unitarian-Universalists because they believe that all people have the freedom to search on their own. I have been to UU churches and fellowships and there you meet Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, Pagans, Atheists, Agnostics, Deists, etc, etc, etc, etc who all come together to share together and explore spirituality as well as work on social justice in their community.
Peace be with you.
2007-11-15 18:59:40 · answer #1 · answered by gabriel_zachary 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think you're a bit confused. So, I have a few questions.
I can understand your not believing Jesus to be the Son of God. But, since you don't you are not Christian.
What makes you believe in God? Is this just a wish? Because you don't believe in the Bible.
Hell is a figment of 12th century priests. Heaven in the Bible is a mystery.
Your re-united concept aligned with reincarnation seems 'off the wall'.
Why is the Bible a beautifully written story? For the most part I find it quite fearsome and more violent than the Russian Revolution.
Why do you believe we were put on this Earth? A reason? Is your reason for being here the same as the many starving African kids with distended bellies and flies creeping all over their faces?
OK, no Satan. I can live with that. But what are all these evil spirits and demons?
Nothing of what you have said leads me to believe you are spiritual. I would suggest that you leave religion alone. Try to have an educated open mind and become a Humanist. Instead of arbitrarily believing you are here for a reason try to make a reason for your being here.
2007-11-16 01:01:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't get caught up In religion or denomination,It will only cause and lead to confusion.
However,If you don't believe that God sent His only begotten Son Into the world not to condemn,but to save those which were lost and set the captives free as well.
Like Isaiah said and said It well !
Unless you believe that Jesus Christ Is the Son of God and was born of a virgin,crucified for the sins of ALL humanity,and raised on the third day and sits at the right hand of God the Father. Then you're lost. Even demons believe Jesus exists,and even tremble at the mention of His name.
It's better to live life like Jesus Christ Is real and exists than to die and find out He really does. But unless you ask Him to be your Lord & Savior and surrender ALL ,everything. You'll spend an eternity In hell.
We're all born spiritually dead. It's only through a spiritual rebirth that we can attain eternal life In heaven.
It all boils down to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and reading your Bible and through prayer & worship and spending time with the Lord.Daily. Bless You
2007-11-16 00:51:43 · answer #3 · answered by Isabella 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hey Erika, you are making a lot of statements of what you do and do not believe. That's okay I suppose but what I question is what do you support your beliefs on? It cannot be taken lightly as if you are wrong then according to the bible you will spend eternity in hell. You probably will respond and say I don't believe in the bible or the God of the bible. Well maybe you don't but the bible and the God of the bible can be supported by lots of recorded facts. The bible has proven itself as being true by the fulfilling of the prophesies made hundreds of years prior. Not some of the times correct but 100% correct. I would encourage you to check it out and start with the reading of the book of John. Don't say I believe in this or that unless you can back it up with facts the stakes are too high. Cheers for now!
2007-11-16 00:39:28 · answer #4 · answered by Steiner 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This is an easy question. I would classify you as being one of the new religions called Erik..
It is a sure way to get you to Hell if there is a hell BUT since it is a technically not real you will have know problem when you die... I just hope you are right. because if you are wrong and there Is a Blessed Trinity and a Heaven and Hell .. Where will Erika's and her beliefs send her... I myself believe my God is merciful he would not be so mean to reincarnate me and have me do earth again. My God is a loving God....
2007-11-16 00:51:55 · answer #5 · answered by abuelamah 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
All I have to say is that Gabriel did a beautiful job answering your question. If you want to share your beliefs with others and connect with like minded people then I would look into the religions Gabriel mentioned. If that is not important to you just go on as you are, without an official religion.
2007-11-16 08:29:15 · answer #6 · answered by gigilunadragon 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you reject the Bible and reject and Jesus as the way to salvation, about all I can say is that things don't look so good for you. To reject Jesus rejects forgiveness. Being a nice person is great and is to be sought after. But being a nice person doesn't save a person. If we are reincarnated after we die, would stand to mean that this probably isn't your first time having life on earth. Do you remember being with your loved ones when you died and before you were reincarnated for the second or third time? Did your parents, family, friends, etc. relate to you about a previous life/lives? I think it would be a very good idea for you to see a main denomination minister and get some info. from him/her. Tell them of your feelings and what you believe. Please, make an appointment with a minister. I'm sure they will find time to talk to you-and it's free.
2007-11-16 00:43:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
Your question will stir up alot of comments among typical christians, Having been thru some life changing events including a OBE and being saved and knowing other's who have been thru a NDE, aligning yourself with a certain religion can cause more confusion, God does exist !, Jesus does exist !..there's no doubt from my experience, but what religion has done to this world is derail us from the truth, by fighting each other over it....I'm not knocking the Bible, its majorly important, but there is meaning beyond the words.
I've been too Baptist churches, Penicostle, Freewill, methodist, Jahova witnesses etc, and everyone was disconnected from my own experience, but I dont judge them, they will eventually come to know their truth in a enlightning way just like me. and everyones truth may be a little different from each others.
I'm more of a believer outside of church..sad to say that, but its true.....God is everywhere.
If you have to choose a certain religion, that's completely up to you, most christians would probably refer too you as a " NEW AGER " in a rediculing way...best wishes to you!
2007-11-16 01:00:24 · answer #8 · answered by Al 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Well, you seem to most closely resemble the Jewish faith, though you certainly have some distinct differences. I don't think you should completely avoid religion, it is something you should explore and ask people about. I'd love to find out more of what you believe, and would also like to share my beliefs with you.
2007-11-16 00:33:13 · answer #9 · answered by Dan in Real Life 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You are a pagan. The Bible said God gave His only begotten as a propitiation for our sins and that God is the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit Trinity. If you Believe in God you will believe every God inspired word in His Book "Ye men of little faith
2007-11-16 00:32:48 · answer #10 · answered by Carl F 4 · 5⤊ 3⤋
I am a Christian. I gage things on what Jesus said.
So if you want to quantify what your beliefs are, then consider what Jesus said:
17 "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."
What does that mean to you? To an undecided raised Catholic girl?
2007-11-16 00:33:05 · answer #11 · answered by Christian Sinner 7 · 4⤊ 3⤋